1986 Evinrude 40 HP VRO starting problems

FinkPloyd

Cadet
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
8
Hello everyone.<br /><br />I recently came into a 1986 Boston Whaler with a 40 horse Evinrude VRO. It's been used very little and looks just about brand new. The last time the boat was run was about 4 or 5 years ago and the gas was never emptied out so it gummed up pretty bad.<br /><br />I've checked all the fuel lines and they look pretty good. I pulled apart the carbs and cleaned all the gunk out of them. I changed the spark plugs, got fresh gas and now I'm trying to start it. I'm able to get it running after a lot of cranking and it will only stay running if I keep hitting the choke.<br /><br />Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get this running? It's in fantastic shape so I can't imagine that there are any major problems with it. Thanks for any help you can offer.
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: 1986 Evinrude 40 HP VRO starting problems

Sounds like the carburetors are still gummed. Probably the metering orfices. Might check the fuel pump too.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

FinkPloyd

Cadet
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
8
Re: 1986 Evinrude 40 HP VRO starting problems

I think I'll give cleaning them another shot tomorrow but as far as I can tell everything seems to be pretty clean. There is a couple set screws that I didn't pull out because I'm afraid of setting them out of place when I put them back in. I suppose I can give that a try though.<br /><br />How do I adjust this badboy? I can't find a manual around here so I'm ordering one online but for the time being I have no idea how to setup these carbs.<br /><br />Fuel pump seems ok since the primer bulb stays pretty hard. I was able to keep it going for 10 minutes or so by tapping the choke.
 

Hooty

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
4,496
Re: 1986 Evinrude 40 HP VRO starting problems

Yeah,<br />That "tapping the choke" is what makes me think the carbs are still s/u.<br />Here's a link for adjusting the carbs on an Evinrude 60hp but it should work on yours.<br /><br /> Carb Adjustment <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty
 

FinkPloyd

Cadet
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
8
Re: 1986 Evinrude 40 HP VRO starting problems

Thanks a lot. I'll give that link a good study.<br /><br />FYI, I found out the motor is actually a 1991 instead of an 86 like I thought. Hopefully that will help me turn up additional information.<br /><br />Thanks again for your help.<br /><br />EDIT - Whoa. I just found something that may be my problem. I found a post on this board about a similar engine to mine. It mentioned the fuel control lever and where it should be set. I believe they are talking about the little red lever on the right side of the engine. Mine is set where it was when I got it. See my crappy diagram below, it's set in the first position.<br />
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Where should it be set? Thanks again.
 
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