1949 Martin 4.5hp

styles038

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 23, 2007
Messages
39
I have ran into yet another issue with this motor. While attempting to start the motor all i'm getting is the occasional firing out of the exhaust and backfire out of the intake. The motor is creating excellent spark and has good compression. While checking the plugs it looked like the oil could be slimed down a bit, so i cut back. I got little improvement.

The motor will not even fire when choked or full throttle. Only on minimal throttle will this random fire/backfiring occur. This would lead me to believe there is too much gas. But the mixture screw is set ok, the float plunger isn't stuck down, and the float/needle-and-seat seem to be in good working order. I'm getting a normal fuel supply to the carb.

I'm out of ideas
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: 1949 Martin 4.5hp

Check compression.

Could also be a timing problem, but I don't know if the flywheel on that has a key or not.

You might ask over at aomci.org. They have an Ask a Member forum that's quite terrific with old outboards.
 

tmcalavy

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 29, 2001
Messages
4,005
Re: 1949 Martin 4.5hp

Sounds like one of two possible things...the plug wires are on wrong or the idle/slow circuit in the carb is obstructed/dirty/plugged up. If it's getting good spark the points and timing are probably okay...there's only one way to set each set of points. Open the carb butterfly, spritz some gas-oil mix into the carb throat and see if it will fire and try to run...if it does you've probably got a dirty carb. If not, I'm betting on the wires. Best way to clean a carb is a complete disassemble, clean with spray carb cleaner (wear gloves), and blow all the passages out with air afterwards. Worst case scenario is the previous owner took it apart and didn't get all the pieces back right. If you remained stumped, contact Russ Larson at http://www.martinoutboards.com
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1949 Martin 4.5hp

Backfiring: Plug wires on wrong plugs.
 
Top