5 hp Seaking 1980 runs poorly

[betzingj]

I have a 1980 seaking, 5hp. I got it to run well when in "start" position of throttle. But, I finally took it out on the lake and it won't run very well past that. It spits and sputters and the rpm's never get up and smoothed out. It does run ok under load in the start position. I took it apart and cleaned all the jets I could find. I am wondering what the possible causes could be.

I messed with the high speed jet while under power. Didn't help.

float level? maybe?

Please help. You guys have been invaluable thus far.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 5 hp Seaking 1980 runs poorly

What's the model number on that Seaking? If it's one of the aircooled engines, It'll have a Clinton powerhead. The carburetor will be a Tillotson, with a fuel pump mounted on the carburetor.

Check very carefully to make sure the fuel hoses are tight, and add wormdrive clamps if necessary. Also, make sure your tank is properly vented and that the hose and bulb are in good shape.

The little fuel pumps on those carbs are pretty wimpy. I have an older version of the same engine, and I found that, until I put a new pump on it, I had to set the fuel tank on the seat of the boat. The pump just wouldn't draw enough fuel if the tank was on the bottom of the boat.

If that doesn't do it, you'll have to do a carb cleaning and install a fresh carburetor kit. A couple of things could be causing your fuel issue. The float may not be adjusted properly. The needle may be sticking in the seat. The fuel pump may not be working correctly.

You should be able to find the correct carburetor kit at a small engine repair shop, since the basic carburetor shares parts with many other small engines.

Good luck with getting your engine to run properly. I finally got mine working. I wish it was a Johnson or Evinrude, though, but it'll do until I find a better outboard.

 

[betzingj]

Re: 5 hp Seaking 1980 runs poorly

I have a 1980 Seaking 5.0 hp, air cooled, motor made by Clinton. Model # 5055106A, Serial 1480536, Type KTV50505A, with a Tillotson carb.

The tank is part of the cover. I put a new fuel pump for a snowmobile on it and it should be pretty strong. I will put clamps on. Right now, I have none on but it doesn't leak out; could be pulling in air.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 5 hp Seaking 1980 runs poorly

If it has a built-in tank, you don't need the pump. Instead, see if you can remove the shutoff valve under the tank. There's a filter in there that looks like ceramic. Those often clog and that can lead to problems like you're having.

If you do install a pump, you can set your engine up to use an external tank. All you need is the appropriate fitting and the tank, bulb, and hose.