25 evinrude backfires

willowcat

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Mar 29, 2004
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My 1974 25hp. Evinrude backfires when I try to start it. When I do get it started it backfires and stalls out. I put new plugs in it and played around with the idle mixture but couldn't fix the problem. Does anyone have a idea what could be wrong?
 

Paul Moir

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

When you say it backfires, does it blow out through the exhaust with a loud bang, or is it a more subdued blow through the carburator? Do I read you correctly that it will run just a bit and then backfire?
 
D

DJ

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Did you reverse the plug wires after you changed the plugs?
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

The motor backfires out the exhoust with a loud bang. The plug wire are in the correct place. When I start the motor it runs rough,backfires, and stalls out. Then when I try to start it again it will back fire when I pull the rope.
 

Dhadley

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Take a peek at the flywheel key just to make sure thats not it.<br /><br />Good luck!
 

Paul Moir

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

If you are certain that the flywheel key hasn't sheared, another thing to check is the armature plate. Is it (underneath the flywheel) turning smoothly as you turn the throttle?<br /><br />If the flywheel has not been torqued precisely to specs, the flywheel key will shear.<br /><br />Points set to 0.020? <br />EDIT: There shouldn't be any points. CDI ignition in '74 right?
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Not sure on the points but could a gummed up carb cause this problem? The guy I got the motor from said he hadn't ran it in a couple years.
 

Dhadley

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

OK, the flywheel looks good but what about the key? Did you pop the flywheel off to look at the key?
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

I'll pull it off tonite and check the key. I thought that it would spin on the shaft if the key was sheared. Thanks for the help.
 

Dhadley

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Most times it will still be tight, just in the wrong spot. Its actually a taperd interference fit and the key only locates the flywheel. <br /><br />It may still be OK, but lets make sure.
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

I pulled the flywheel off, the key is in good shape. It does have points I checked the gap and that was good as well. So does anyone know what the next thing to check would be?<br /><br /> Also does anyone know what the torque specks are on the flywheel nut?
 

Dhadley

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

OK, the key is not sheared so we know the flywheel is in the right place. Good.<br /><br />Since the motor hasnt run in a couple of years, lets clean the carb and install a new OE kit. This needs to be done regardless.<br /><br />While we're on the subject of not running, we are assuming from your posts that you bought the motor and then tried to get it to run. Basically, you have never seen the motor run correctly, right?
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

I bought a 14' boat & trailer for $350. and the guy threw in the motor with the deal. The only time I've seen it run is when I had it running. It does fire off almost every time on the first pull, it just studders, backfires and dies.
 

Dhadley

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Cool, good background info. Great deal too!<br /><br />Lets get the carb taken care of and go from there.
 

willowcat

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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Will do. Thanks for the help! Anyone know the torque specks on the flywheel?
 

willowcat

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Mar 29, 2004
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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Well, I rebuilt and cleaned the carb. The problem is still there. I got everything put back together pulled the rope about 5 times, it started, ran good for about a minnute, than the idle droped down, backfired and died. I just can't figure it out.
 

SCO

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Aug 19, 2001
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Re: 25 evinrude backfires

Hows your compression and what about the fuel lines to the motor,fuel pump, is the tank clean and gas new? IS the tank properly vented?
 
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