1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

[WEIGLE]

I just bought a 1957 Fastwin 18HP in fantastic condition from the original owner. I am having a strange problem though - On saturday I will start the motor in the garage to ensure it will fire, then drive to the lake and it starts on the first pull.

On sunday, I don't start it in the garage (since it was running the day before) but when I get to the lake - it takes 3-5 FRUSTRATING minutes to get it started. It's ALWAYS the day after.

As recommended from the manual I close the high-speed and push in the choke but that doesn't work. Last time the only way to keep it running was to leave the choke knob out for about 10 minutes and it ran crappy! I stopped to fish, then engine fired right up and ran perfect.

Another strange thing is that each day is a different high-speed number. Somedays it runs best on #2, some #3, or last night #5.

Is this normal? I imagine the engine is flooding during transport, but how do I stop it so I can start my boat within the first 3 pulls. I look like an idiot at the dock trying to get the thing started. . .

Did anyone ever locate a carb re-build kit online for this motor?


Many thanks!

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

You can't close the high speed valve and expect it to start, that's what feeds it fuel for cold starting. You need to leave the knobs alone one you have them set. Simply pull the choke, set the throttle to start (or as far as it can go for starting) and pull the rope. If it's still a pressure tank motor you need to press the primer on the tank until hard before anything else.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Also - has this carburetor been rebuilt recently? If not, might be time to consider it as it may have rubber bits inside that are being affected by ethanol in the gas...

 

[WEIGLE]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Bktheking,

Thank you for the advise. I always attempt to start it using that method but it
REFUSES to start. I can always smell gas which is why i think it's getting flooded during transport since it starts immediately at home.

The carb has not been rebuilt as I am aware. I would love to rebuild it but am
unable to find a rebuild kit. Any suggestions?

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Did anyone ever locate a carb re-build kit online for this motor?
Many thanks!

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...gd_poid=109333&gd_row=28&**********=813900778

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Then you probably have a carb problem, 54fleetwin gave you the link.

 

[WEIGLE]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Should i replace the float as well? Can I buy one on iboats? I noticed that kit
Doesn't include it.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

It's been replaced with the newer style float 396514 available at an OMC dealer, pull it apart first, it may have a newer float installed.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Well, check the carburetor if you want. But are you loosening the gas cap when towing or not running for awhile? It very well may be flooding from the constant pressure.

OK, I gotta ask this: Have you checked the igniton, especially the coils? Therein probably lies your REAL problem. Most carburetor problems---aren't.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Wow, 1957, got a picture?

I continue to be amazed how long some of the outboards last... must have had unusual care...still rubber and other materials deteriorate with time, no stopping it. Also, light use can also spell out accumulation of deposits (varnish) in the fuel system. Have you ran cleaner through the system... SeaFoam is the only one I know of that works in 2 cycle engines. There may be others.

Good luck, and keep the old guy/gal going, I love seeing a vintage engine running like new on a boat at the lake.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Wow, 1957, got a picture?

How about '54 7.5

Good luck, and keep the old guy/gal going, I love seeing a vintage engine running like new on a boat at the lake.

Lake smake, how about the Pacific?

 

[WEIGLE]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

I'm not loosening gas cap while towing, no.

I forgot to add a clue. . . When I pump and pump and pump the tank, gas starts to leak out from under the high-speed knob.

I ordered a re-build kit, float, and needles - It can't hurt to replace everything.

Do you all have any advice from those who have done it? Will I encounter any tricky situations needing special techniques? Are there any pictures or manuals online?

As for checking the ignition and coils - what should I look for?

I will try to get pictures soon She's a beauty, came with all original papers including sales receipt! It cost $370 in 1957. It has been garage stored or under-cover it's entire life. The old man I bought it from hadn't used it very much in the last 6 years since he had some health problems.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Well, talking open water, now that is the time to have a reliable engine.

The Atlantic is near me, but I keep to the lakes and still have to make an emergency run to the shore only a mile or two away, when a big windstorm comes up. But I'm running only 9.9 HP and a heavy 16' aluminum boat, can't imagine running a fiberglass with a 9.9.

Nice picture... looks like a powerhouse.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Then chances are the coils are shot, if I were you I'd pull the flywheel and look, you may find this: cracked coils

As far as the carb is concerned, it's either the packing under the high speed nut that's leaking or the needle and seat/float aren't working properly. That tank is a "pressure" tank so when it isn't running it's still got pressure in the lines if connected. Once you stop operating the motor you should loosen the big black cap to let the air out of the tank.

As far as techniques, you'll have to replace the packing behind the high speed nut and low speed nut, make sure you clean out the old packing before installing the new. The kit should have nylon and cork packing rings, the nylon rings butt up against the nut followed by 2 cork washers. Tighten the nuts tight, it's a middle road thing, not too tight that you can't adjust, not loose enough to move with engine vibration. Take pictures as you go, it will aid in reassembly. Before you do pull it apart, turn the needles in till seated (not tight) and count the turns, this will give you a starting points for reassembly, seat the needles and count the turns out. Pay close attention to where washers and gaskets go, omitting them upon reassembly will mess everything up.

 

[kbait]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Make sure the carb vent (top of float chamber to atmosphere) is clear. That one can be a headache if you don't catch it! But, as FR said, check for proper spark first.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

Ahhh.....bk, that is a familiar site to me
My '54 7.5, '55 BT25 and '58 BT35 looked like that.
The '56 Lark 30 had replacement coils on it, but I no longer have that engine.
I sold it to a guy with a C/L ad, turns out the guy is a member here that I had helped already with something else.
Small world

 

[WEIGLE]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

How do I remove the flywheel?

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

That was my qd-12 at first inspection , this was my qd-23, needless to say the 23 was like christmas (new red and green coils), I love finding a new magneto.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

How do I remove the flywheel?

With a 3 bolt puller(harmonic balancer/steering wheel)

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: 1957 Fastwin 18hp starting mystery

bk, I cant seem to find the magna tune kits any where, what happened?