1983 80hp help needed

[PaJon]

I just picked up a 1983 80hp, serial 6333991. The po said when he took it out the first time this year it would start and idle fine, but die out under load. I replaced the water pump, rebuilt both carbs, rebuilt the fuel pump, replaced all gas lines and primer bulb, installed a water sep/filter. Ran the motor in my driveway and it sounded great. Took it to the lake and would die when put in any gear. I rechecked the carbs and pump, checked compression 130,130,130,128, strong blue spark at each plug. I Pulled the lower unit to check for binding or tightness, no problem there. I'm starting to wonder if the po messed with the linkage trying to make it work. I checked the online manuals and none of them are for my year. Does anyone have the linkage adjustments for this engine or any other ideas what to check ? Thanks, Jon

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1983 80hp help needed

Link and synch is real easy on that motor. Idle pickup timing is when the carbs just start to open. I think it is about 4* ATDC. Max spark advance is 21* BTDC.

However, since you rebuilt the carbs, there is a chance you adjusted the idle mixture too lean. Richen it a bit and see if things improve. Start with the top carb and open the mixture screw 1/8 turn and test acceleration. Repeat with lower carb, testing after each adjustment.