56 Lightwin 3HP Wont start

mchrist809

Cadet
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
13
Need some help please! New to outboards/motor repair. Picked up a beat up old '57 Evinrude 3HP to see if I could get it running for my canoe. But can't get it to start. Here's what I've done so far:

-- Read "Outboard won't start" in FAQ.
-- Ignition system tune up (new coils, points, plugs, condensors)
-- Carb clean and tune up kit
-- Flushed fuel system; new fuel mix (24:1)
-- Replaced impeller
-- Lastly, new head gasket (and tapped out old sheared head screw) hoping this would do it since it felt like compression was low (have not done a real compression test though)

(All above work done according to excellent instructions at http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.com.)

High and low needles set at various points, including multiple attempts starting at and around recommended HS 3/4 and LS 1.25 turn. Getting very good spark. Also tried starting fluid.

I can get an occasional slight spit-sneeze out of it on some of the first few pulls, but nothing more.

My gut tells me its a carb problem -- flooding -- though I have little engine repair experience. As I said, I did a complete carb tune up kit. Did not replace float, but it seems in decent shape. I've taken carb apart and put it back togther 3-4 times checking my work. Float is set even. (only thing I was really unsure about was float needle spring placement, which I simply hooked around the side of the float arm.) The bowl of the carb does have a 1/4'' hair-line crack on it's side, which leaks. Some gasket seal has leak temporaily fixed (thought I'd try JB Weld for more permanent fix--is there something better?) When I try to start it -- with choke out and recommended set for needles (and with exhaust removed so I can see what's going on) -- after a few pulls I can see that gas is pooling/present, and, when I push the choke in, an amount of gas (? 1/8 teaspoon?) spills out. Is this flooding and if so, what have I done wrong, what do I check?

So, carb problem? Maybe I set the timing wrong (though I really took my time on this step)? Compression (and what would I try next)? Something I'm totally missing?

Thanks to anyone who can provide some guidance. Sorry for the long post.
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: 56 Lightwin 3HP Wont start

Are the plugs wet with gas? Athe plug wires on proper plugs? If plugs are dry, put a small amount of fuel in cylinders and see if it will fire. If so you probably have a carb or reed valve problem. Also check compression while plugs are out. Have you got a nice blue spark at plug wire?
 

mchrist809

Cadet
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
13
Re: 56 Lightwin 3HP Wont start

I'll double check tomorrow if plugs are wet--I believe they are. How do I check if wire are on correct plug? Yes, nice blue spark. I looked at compression tester at my local auto store -- wanted to avoid investing another $25 if I could. But will get if nothing else works. Thks.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: 56 Lightwin 3HP Wont start

Check
Compression
Spark
Fuel delivery
Spark plug condition.

Post your findings for all to review.
 

samo_ott

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
5,125
Re: 56 Lightwin 3HP Wont start

Can you borrow a compression tester? It is important to know. Also, put some pre mixed fuel in a spray bottle and try spraying that in the carb and not the quick start.
 
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