1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

[rdwatson]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

one more problem, just noticed on the other side of the motor of, what I think is the safety switch, so wires going through the top. (4 wires), looks to me as if they have gotten hot or shorted out as on of them came disconnected as I was wiggling them. Would this cause the engine not to start also. What does this "safety switch" actually do? Man this is frustrating!!! It's going to be really nice this weekend and won't be able to enjoy the boat on the lake.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Hmmm....better check that new ignition switch again. It may be that you've somehow run 12v to the kill wires. That's not a good thing, since it can burn out the coils.<br /><br />I think you're referring to the vacuum cutout switch there. Does it have a hose going to it, as well?<br /><br />If so, temporarily disconnect those wires and insulate them from each other and check for spark again. Mark them, though, so they get back on the same posts when you're done.<br /><br />Go back and check the switch. You should find two small black or black with stripe wires in the bundle that go to the switch. These belong on the M terminals on the switch. When you shut down, the switch shorts them together, effectively grounding both sets of points.<br /><br />If they somehow get connected to 12 V, you'll burn your coils out PDQ.

 

[rdwatson]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Yes, it has a hose. Double Yikes! I'll check the switch and be back in a few . . . . stay tuned.

 

[rdwatson]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

OK, I'm starting to think I've gotten in over my head. the switch looks fine, both black wires are connected to the M terminals. I think I found the drain plug to the carb. on mine it appears to be at the bottom of the bowl, it faces towards the front. I took this screw out and nothing came out even after pumping the bulb. Do the wires for the vacuum switch effect the starting of the motor? i.e if thier burnt will the engine still start?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Oh, shoot, I meant to warn you about that. Still had my mind on a '63 carb. This is a real tiny screw I'm talking about.<br /><br />But no matter. That opens in to the bottom of the carb too. What you're looking at is the high speed oriface. If there was any fuel at all in the carb, it would have come out of there. Take off the fuel line from the carb and see if you can get fuel to it.<br /><br />As for the burnt up wires, it sounds like you've got things right. Is it possible they've been like that for some time?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Bob,<br /><br />Good deal. As long as they're both connected to the M terminals, you'll be OK. Probably, as Paul suggested, those wires were in poor shape already.<br /><br />It does look like fuel is not getting into the carb bowl. If you get fuel out of the line after disconnecting it and pumping it, it's probably a stuck needle and seat or a blockage in that area. If no fuel comes out of the hose connecting to the carb when you pump the bulb after disconnecting it, then your blockage is not in the carb. You can trace back by disconnecting at earlier connections until you get to the blockage. I think you're close to solving this.

 

[rdwatson]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Yes, that was it, it's running fine . . . . for now. Anyway, My brother called, (he was born with a wrench in his hand) and we determined just that, it had to be something blocking the gas into the carb. Took a little hammer, rapped the side a couple more times and it did fire, but would stall after a few seconds. So I kept spaying gas into the carb and got it running. Had it set a mid trottle and it idealed pretty rough for a while and then what ever was stuck in the needle valve must have past through as the ideal then picked up tremendously. Anyway, looks like we'll be boating this weekend after all. I want to thank you guys for all the help. This is a great forum, I've added it to my favorites!!!!!<br />Thanks again, Bob

 

[rdwatson]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

One more thing . . is there something I can add to the gas to clean the carb out while it's running? Like the gas treatment you put in your car? It appears to me that it would be quit the job to take the carb off to do any reconditioning or cleaning. I'd like to wait until I pull it out this fall and then give it a thorough cleaning. Again, Thanks for the help, Bob

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Not really. They say "Seafoam" (decarboning agent) helps, but a carb kit costs $25 and then you know it's clean. Stabil (or whatever brand stabilizer) is the only additive I normally use. I would be concerned that a solvent cleaner is going to attack the fuel pump diaphram, the hoses and the varnish on the float.

 

[itstippy]

Re: 1963 40hp Evinrude Problems

Get yourself one of those cheap inline fuel filters that CATransplant mentioned earlier. They are very easy to install and you can get them at any decent hardware or boat store. You already learned that your fuel "filter" doesn't filter out little paint flecks, rust specks, etc. but instead allows them to pass through to the carburator where they get lodged and leave you stranded. No point in learning that lesson a second time. When you do rebuilt the carb get a OMC carb kit that comes with a new float (the aftermarket kits don't). Those old carbs had cork floats that deteriorate over time and cause little cork flecks that break loose and lodge in the . . .