I suspect there's a problem with my choke unloader and the instructions in manual #13 about bending the "tang" on the throttle lever don't make any sense to me. Wondering if anyone can help. Now here's the very long-winded history...
Bought the boat last Summer and had a few successful trips, but it was never a strong starter. Was on the river one day idling when the boat simply died. Lots of fuel, but couldn't get it started again. Got a jump start and it started right up, so I thought it was the battery or the alternator. Checked the battery and charged it fully. After that, sometimes the boat wouldn't start at all or if it started, it would idle rough.
When I Winterized it last fall, I pulled off a VERY black spark arrestor. The thing was caked with oil and looked like it had never been cleaned. I suspected that that was probably the main cause of my problem, as it looked like little to no air could pass through it. I cleaned it thoroughly and was pleasantly surprised to find shiny metal underneath.
I stored it this past Winter with a full tank and marine fuel stabilizer. Went to start it up and after repeated attempts at cranking the engine over (never more than 10 - 15 seconds at a time), the solder holding the negative stud actually melted! I should add that that battery had been checked out prior and was fully charged.
I checked the battery cables and found them to be in good order with good clean connections at both ends. I haven't measured them, but they appear to be either 2 or 4 AWG.
My suspicions moved to the carb. Pulled off the spark arrestor and found the choke plate open about half way. I know nothing about carbs, but it didn't seem right. Also found that the choke setting was set all the way to the right. According to the manual, I should be able to slip a 5/64" rod between the choke plate and the body. I'd say it's about half that, but I can't figure out how to adjust that. I kinda doubt adjusting it will fix my issues, but I've got to start somewhere.
Any help would be appreciated.
Bought the boat last Summer and had a few successful trips, but it was never a strong starter. Was on the river one day idling when the boat simply died. Lots of fuel, but couldn't get it started again. Got a jump start and it started right up, so I thought it was the battery or the alternator. Checked the battery and charged it fully. After that, sometimes the boat wouldn't start at all or if it started, it would idle rough.
When I Winterized it last fall, I pulled off a VERY black spark arrestor. The thing was caked with oil and looked like it had never been cleaned. I suspected that that was probably the main cause of my problem, as it looked like little to no air could pass through it. I cleaned it thoroughly and was pleasantly surprised to find shiny metal underneath.
I stored it this past Winter with a full tank and marine fuel stabilizer. Went to start it up and after repeated attempts at cranking the engine over (never more than 10 - 15 seconds at a time), the solder holding the negative stud actually melted! I should add that that battery had been checked out prior and was fully charged.
I checked the battery cables and found them to be in good order with good clean connections at both ends. I haven't measured them, but they appear to be either 2 or 4 AWG.
My suspicions moved to the carb. Pulled off the spark arrestor and found the choke plate open about half way. I know nothing about carbs, but it didn't seem right. Also found that the choke setting was set all the way to the right. According to the manual, I should be able to slip a 5/64" rod between the choke plate and the body. I'd say it's about half that, but I can't figure out how to adjust that. I kinda doubt adjusting it will fix my issues, but I've got to start somewhere.
Any help would be appreciated.
