1989 Evinrude 50 wont stay running.

[Blastem]

I have a 1989 50 Hp power head that I bought used to replace a 50 HP that was blown on a jet outboard motor I have. Here is the play by play.

Removed the old "blown" power head from the mid section and removed the carbs. The "new" used 50 powerhead has 95 psi of compression top and bottom. I hooked up the exsisting carbs and mid section. Note: I did not use new gaskets as of yet until I could see if the motor was going to run.

I did not hookup the VRO but did plug the VRO oil line and mixed my fuel 50:1 in the tank. I did get it to fire over at my garage and then took it ot the river. I had it running at the river but seemed to act like it was loaded up and at full thottle it would only give me 3200 rpms. The motor seems to run very rough and wont idle. I tore the carbs down and cleaned everything twice now. Now the motor will hardly start and will only run for a few seconds and die out. The bottom plug is wet verses the top. I am no pro mechanic that is for sure. I did look at the carbs while they were apart and eveything seemed to be ok. No marks or scrathes on the needle valves. I seems like I may be flooding the lower cylinder?

Any suggestions or questions?

Thanks
B

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 50 wont stay running.

Did you check the float levels on the carbs? The float should be parallel with the bowl flange when inverted. Did you clean the carbs with carb cleaner and blow out the passages with compressed air? Good strong spark on both cylinders? It must jump at least 1/2" gap when tested....

 

[Blastem]

Re: 1989 Evinrude 50 wont stay running.

Float Levels seemed ok. Cleaned carbs with Carb Cleaner. I did not blow out the passages with compressed air. Could that make a BIG difference? Both cylinders showed spark. When you say 1/2" gap do you mean hold the spark plugs away from the block 1/2" to see of the spark jumps to the head? Both plugs showed spark when test aginst the block.

How perfectly level must the floats be when inverted? Are we talking visual or using a micrometer? Please excuse my ignorance I am in no way trying to be smart. I just dont know.

Thanks