10 hp Evinrude Sportwin all of a sudden hard to start

[jonathanwsmith]

Hi Folks,

My '63 Sportwin has been firing up 1st or at most 2nd pull, even when cold, as long as choke's ok and bulb pumped. But a week ago I noticed the hi speed needle valve wasn't staying put. When I got to the dock what had happened was the threaded bronze part the needle valve screws into was loose so I tightened up. Now the needle valve doesn't wander. Motor runs good too. Idles like a sewing machine and never cuts out. Runs real strong at high speed too.

Ok here's my situation. She won't start cold. Hit no problem but overnight or morning to evening cold no start. It's pull I can sorta hear half a fire but nothing on pull 2 - 10. What will start it is starting fluid. I pull off the cover, set choke OFF, spray fluid in carb, pull choke ON and she starts right up. Today I put new spark plugs in and that didn't help. Any thoughts on what I should be looking for?

Many thanks in advance,

Jonathan Smith

 

[scottmm73]

Never use starting fluid for two strokes. Starting fluid doesn't use a lubricant like our 2-stroke fuel uses. Over time it will cause more problems than help.

Start with the basics, compression, spark, fuel.

FWIW, if you need to use starting fluid for troubleshooting. Mix 50:1 fuel to oil and store in a spray bottle. Works the same.

 

[HighTrim]

Did you re check the settings on both needles? Is the choke fully closing? Sometime richening the needle a 1/4 turn or so helps on cold starts.

 

[jonathanwsmith]

Thanks Scottmm and High Trim I will do, in that order. Appreciate the suggestions.

 

[racerone]

Is the choke closed when you pull the knob ?--Does it stay closed ?-----Perhaps check that wee plastic detent on the choke.----They fail and I have replaced many over the years !

 

[oldboat1]

would use the oem recommended plugs (Champion J4C, probably. Maybe J6C.) Plug gap should be .030. Might clean and regap points, but if running smoothly when it fires up, first look to choke operation and starting procedure as suggested. Make sure the throttle is in the "start" position (high idle), and the choke plate is closing. My 10 is a little older -- mixture settings are a little under 3/4 open for the h.s. needle, and about 1 or a little less for the l.s. Individual motors vary, of course. Consider setting the throttle stop a little higher if it's is a little stodgy when warming up -- also worth checking the t.stat. Make sure the fuel bowl and filter are clean.

It's worth checking compression to see what you have. Check it cold, both plugs removed (throttle position doesn't matter). Pull it over four or five times until the needle stops rising.

 

[jonathanwsmith]

Thanks Racerone and oldboat1 - very helpful suggestions. I appreciate your responses.

JWS