1988 48SPL doing some weird things lately...

perrypond

Cadet
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
9
The old evinrude just isn't the same lately. Seems like it won't hold an idle, unless I choke the hell out it, and/or pushing in the primer switch repeatedly. Just keeps stalling, but while restart. I did get her to go by chance, got going across the lake about 3/4 speed for 2-3 minutes then she just died.... would not idle again. Ended up using trolling motor to get back to ramp. Last year, it would every once in while stall out while cruising the lake... but would start back up and go.... what could be going on ?????
 

rolmops

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
5,518
Re: 1988 48SPL doing some weird things lately...

The choking means that you have a fuel supply problem.It may well be the lines but most probably it is the carburetors.They need a good cleaning or rebuild.
Another thing to do is checking all the wire connections and of course checking the plugs.
In short,do all the necessary maintenance and if that does not help,start checking the electronic components.
 

perrypond

Cadet
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
9
Re: 1988 48SPL doing some weird things lately...

thanks for the advise. I will tear into the carbs this afternoon and see what's going on. I had a suspicion that it might be the carbs. Here in Maine, our gas has 10% ethanol in the gas. We have had lots of wet weather where the boat is been sitting idle for weeks. I have been using stabil -marine formula, but only started using it this spring..... i will post results of carbs
 

perrypond

Cadet
Joined
Sep 20, 2006
Messages
9
Re: 1988 48SPL doing some weird things lately...

okay, tore into the carbs this afternoon, as I drained it, noticed small amounts of water mixed in.... then checked the tank and found more. Somehow, rain must of leaked in. ???
In hopes that this is the culprit. I went ahead and ordered a carb kit and new fuel filter kit, and new plug wires anyway. I'll get some fresh gas tomorrow, and mix in some Stabil... try her out. Post results....
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1988 48SPL doing some weird things lately...

sounds like you are on the right track.
 
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