1980 85 hp evinrude starting problems

neilly boy

Seaman Apprentice
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Jan 21, 2021
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34
thanks for your input. I adjusted the choke solenoid to close the flappers completely. I started it and it ran but very rough idle then stalled when I tried to idle it down. I will have to check the reeds. Something I suspected from the get go. FYI I bought this boat recently for a cheaper than cheaper price. Again thanx
I took the carbs off and taped a flap of paper over the intake hole. When I cranked the engine it sucked the flap in . If a reed is bad I think it might have sucked it in then blown it back out. from what I can see the reeds look good.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Reed valves in these V-4 models rarely fail.------I have never seen a broken one.------I guess more trouble shooting is required on the " hard to start " condition.----Bring it over it should be easy.
 

neilly boy

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Reed valves in these V-4 models rarely fail.------I have never seen a broken one.------I guess more trouble shooting is required on the " hard to start " condition.----Bring it over it should be easy.
Good to know about the reed valves. I just went through the carbs again. Found two blocked jets on the bottom carb. I cleaned them all out previously so I guess some more crap got in there. But I dont know if that could be the problem. Guess I will find out when I put it back together. I would bring it over if I still lived in Ontario ( Hamilton). But I am in Florida now and can't get back because of travel restrictions.
 

ahicks

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Sep 16, 2013
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Good to know about the reed valves. I just went through the carbs again. Found two blocked jets on the bottom carb. I cleaned them all out previously so I guess some more crap got in there. But I dont know if that could be the problem. Guess I will find out when I put it back together. I would bring it over if I still lived in Ontario ( Hamilton). But I am in Florida now and can't get back because of travel restrictions.
Here in Florida unless you never go more than a week or 2 between uses, you had better have SOME sort of fuel conditioner in use.

My experience has been that if you are pre-mixing your oil and gas, that SHOULD be good enough. From that point, it's just about fuel/water separation and filtering.
 

neilly boy

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Jan 21, 2021
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Here in Florida unless you never go more than a week or 2 between uses, you had better have SOME sort of fuel conditioner in use.

My experience has been that if you are pre-mixing your oil and gas, that SHOULD be good enough. From that point, it's just about fuel/water separation and filtering.
Good advice! I always use fuel stabilizer in the mix but I never used a water separator. Is it really necessary ?
 

ahicks

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Sep 16, 2013
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Good advice! I always use fuel stabilizer in the mix but I never used a water separator. Is it really necessary ?
If using 6 gal. portables, maybe not so much. Anything else would be a requirement on anything I own.
 

oldboat1

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Apr 3, 2002
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If you have recleaned the carbs, run with a portable tank and fresh fuel at least to test.
 

oldboat1

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Apr 3, 2002
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Addressing scored cylinders is the priority for using the motor. Will add, though, that the best way -- only really effective way -- to ensure choke flappers are tightly closed is to reach in with a finger and make sure. For cold starting, the choke plate has to be tightly closed.
 
Last edited:

Grub54891

Admiral
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Jun 17, 2012
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6,139
You never stated if you are using premium fuel, or if you are maby the po didn't. The ethanol fuel likes to degrade the older fuel lines. That might explain the new crud in the carbs.
 

racerone

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I am not there to judge the condition of the cylinders , pistons and rings.------But any engine is nothing but a simple air pump.-----And a 2 stroke is a 2 stage air pump.----If pistons are not pulling enough air through a carburetor when cranking , the choking action will not work to pull fuel out of the bowls.
 

ahicks

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How about something nice and simple - like the results of a compression check. That should give a pretty good indication regarding any scoring seen through the exhaust ports.

Just don't forget to open the throttle up when getting your readings...
 

racerone

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Compression results were already posted.-----Scored pistons were found as well.---Throttle does not need to be open for a compression test on this motor.
 

ahicks

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Compression results were already posted.-----Scored pistons were found as well.---Throttle does not need to be open for a compression test on this motor.
Oops! I'll try to pay more attention.
 

webbd

Seaman
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Jul 20, 2011
Messages
64
Just a few thoughts...

The scored cylinders might indicate broken rings. Racerone's concern is valid.

Florida boats come in different categories. There are the boats set up for going out among the waves and the boats set up for the flats or lakes. My fuel vent, and also a friend's boat's fuel vent took a wave or two and got saltwater in the fuel tank. A water-separating filter can turn this from a moment where you need a tow to a moment where you get back to the ramp/marina.

Look for the blue number prices at the gas stations (Wawa or Shell) for ethanol-free fuel. It's shelf-life is measured in years vs. days for regular pump gas.

- DW
 
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