57 Evinrude big twin 35

[eolsen]

Well im officially about to give up. I have 90lbs pressure each cylinder, replaced with new, the spark plug wires, spark plugs(three types tried), points, coils, condensers, new impeller, new lower unit oil, new fuel pump, new head gasket, and complete rebuild of carburator. I have new starter, and great spark( it'll jump a half inch.) I am using a battery to start the starter, it engages the flywheel flawlessly and while its engaged it sound like a well oiled machine but the minute i cut the power to the battery the flywheel stops because it wont start. I have set the carb needles according to the top secret files, along with everything else they provide information for. still no start.........I am in AZ and there is one place that works on these motors and they arent avail till Dec. Please help or if you have anyone in AZ that I can take this to. Thanks to anyone with ideas or help.

 

[HighTrim]

If you spray pre mixed fuel directly into cylinder, will it fire for a couple seconds?

 

[eolsen]

It makes a popping sound like a backfire

 

[Tim Frank]

Make sure the plug wires are not reversed.

 

[eolsen]

They're not

 

[racerone]

Sounds like plug wires are reversed !------Perhaps flywheel key is sheared.

 

[pro-crastinator]

Hello, I have read your post with an absolute understanding of your frustration. Its a "been there, done that" moment to be sure..
In October last year (wow, its been that long) I was the proud, ignorant owner of a 1956 30hp big twin.
Our motors are practically identical and maybe I can offer something that you can use.

If you are using an electric start 6 volt starter, I have found that my hand on the speed control on the engine is an absolute requirement to get her started.
In the earlier times, when I was getting aquainted with "her" (fickle female) I would pull plugs, dump a bit of gas in the cyls, plugs replaced, hit the starter and watch her cough and sputter for a moment. That told me that I was close.

My setup has the (I dont know what its called) small box bolted to inside of the transom with a button on the bottom to initiate the starter.
Left hand on button, right hand on speed control - twisting left while starter engaged.

I found that not giving up was the best tool in my box. Hope this helps. Hate to see you walk away from your oldie but goodie.

Best regards,
Bennett

 

[Tim Frank]

I know that you are "positive' that the plug wires aren't reversed, but since you changed the coils and plug wires, if you are basing your certainty on the little metal "1" clip that may have been transferred to your new wires, at least consider that that marker might have been incorrectly transferred.

 

[nwcove]

It makes a popping sound like a backfire

^^^^ that sure sounds like what TimFrank and/or what racerone mentioned......and i see nothing in this thread about the fuel tank/primer button? is it actually priming the carb?

 

[eolsen]

Hello everybody. We'll I'm officially embarrassed! I had the little copper marker on the wrong wire after I replaced the spark plug wires. It fires up like a champ! I can't thank you guys enough! High Trim, racer one, Tim Frank, and procrastinator( you scared me the most I to checking the wires again!)

 

[HighTrim]

Awesome, easy fix!

 

[Tim Frank]

Excellent!
The fairy tale endings are always great!

 

[tomhath]

Embarrassed? Yea, there's a reason so many guys recognized that problem...not that I would ever do it...