1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

[Pst76]

I have a 1974 115 hp Evinrude. Initial problem was starting and would not idle. Once it got running always ran great rest of the day. Until next time I put it in the water. Had a rebuild done on both Carbs, replaced slow idle jets and adjusted. Seemed to be fine. Ran fine for first trip out then started with problems and found that advance was sticking and not coming up with the throttle. Fixed that and still had start issues but idle and throttle response were fine now have a flooding issue. Engine will flood quickly. Once it gets running will run all day and will always restart.Until boat is taken out from water. I did find that starter was getting weak from continued attempts to start. I dissassembled starter and found one brush sticking (spring dirty) and will be cleaning tonight. Could speed of rotation on start be allowing cyl flooding before ignition? Also could a float be sticking.<br /><br />I'm about ready to give up on this one

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

PST76..... That engine must crank over with at least 300 rpm. A weak starter wouldn't crank the engine fast enough to energize the magneto capacitance ignition system.<br /><br />Also, since the timer base (spark advance) was sticking, check the stator under the flywheel. There are two large coils within that stator (front & back) that put out 300 AC volts to energize the powerpack. If that stator has starter to crack and melt down, that sticky substance is what caused the timer base to stick. <br /><br />Also, when that stator starts to fail, it can not supply proper voltage to the p/pack (weak or no spark).

 

[Pst76]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Thanks Joe,<br />The stator could be melted as it does seem to stick. I added a secondary spring to assist in pulling the advance arm forward in order to react with the throttle. I had sprayed WD 40 under the flywheel and it helped a little but goo from a melted winding would make sense. The starter issue may be just adding to a combined problem. Can new brushed be bought or would it be best to just replace the starter?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Pst76..... Not a good idea to be adding a helper spring to that timer base setup. That could create a timing problem, leading to piston damage.<br /><br />The starter brushes can be purchased at a dealership, and most likely at NAPA and other suto part stores. The make of your starter makes a difference in the brushes...Prestolite or Bosch. Rebuilding the starter is worth a try in my opinion.

 

[Pst76]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Thanks for the heads up info on spring. I had tried to pull flywheel initially to see what was sticking with a steering wheel type puller from the center but did not budge. Any tips??? . I shot it up with penetrating oil and let soak. And no luck and I did not want to risk damaging somthing. The nut itself loosened and came off with no problem. Will try napa for brushes. Thanks

 

[Pst76]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Thanks for the info Joe, I rebuilt the starter last night and reinstalled. Fired up on first attempt. Definite change in the rpm's to start from what I originally had. with regard to the stator any tricks on pulling the flywheel. I only found the one nut on the top but not sure if I need to release anything else from below flywheel, wires or advance arm? I dont believe there is but want to make sure. I have it soaked with penetrating oil at the momment.<br />Thanks again

 

[almost retired again]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Hi Pst76,<br />Regarding the pulling of the flywheel,make sure that the puller head is parallel and level with the top of the flywheel. anything else will cause it to pull at an angle, an you'll never get it off. If you hsve a 1/2" air impact try that on the puller nut, Always works for me. If you don't have an air impact once you have tightened the puller bolt as tight as possible, a heavy blow to the top of the puller bolt usually will loosen it. safty tip, leave the flywheel nut threaded on the crankshaft slightly while trying to pull it loose. Once it breaks loose that flywheel can come completly off, maybe causing damage to your engine componets, or yourself.<br />No there isn't anything else to disconnect from under the flywheel.<br />Good Luck

 

[Pst76]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Thanks for the tips. Hope to pull it apart tonight. Then ready for vacation...

 

[Pst76]

Re: 1974 Evinrude Flooding on start attempt

Update, Thanks for all the info. I rebuilt the starter after finding that one of the brushes wash frozen causing the starter to spin slower than it should. Reinstalled starter and fired first shot. Also on advance arm, stastor was fine. looked as though prior owner had spayed somthing under fly wheel and it just gummed up over time. cleaned everything up and seems to runs fine. Guessing that added back pressure when starting in the water would torqued starter more than when ears were on in the driveway. <br />Not sure though why even with slow rpm start I still had spark to the plugs but would not fire.. Just curiosity..