61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

[petestucky]

Hi, just joined and just bought my first boat motor, by the info I got here I found out that it is a 61 15 hp gale, it starts and runs for a couple of seconds in the barrel but then dies, it sat for at least a year before I bought it, I have not tried to put it in gear and throttle it up because the barrel would not be able to keep enough water in it to cool the motor, I'm tempted to take it out o the lake and try it, maybe it just needs the cobs run out of it? I tried a 24 to 1 oil ratio, the guy that had it said he ran 40 to 1, any advice or tips? Thanks to everyone for all the great info on here, this seems like a great forum.

 

[F_R]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

24:1 is the correct mix. It's impossible to diagnose the problem from here. Just like any other engine, it needs enough compression (about 80 psi), enough spark (jump 3/16" - 1/4" open air gap) at the right time, and the right amount of fuel (not too much, not too little). Get all that right and it will run.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Welcome to the iboats.com forum. The members here are great and the experts like F_R can help you solve any problem. Good luck!

EDIT: The link below will get you to free online service information for your motor. It may be helpful while working through the basic issues F_R identified to get that great old motor going again.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=393281

LOGIN as directed then drill down to: Small Engine, Marine/Boat Motors, Gale, and select "12, 15, 18 & 20 HP". Click on the header "Condensed Service Data". Be sure to verify your model number because that will be important when you start chasing parts. Maybe another member will post in with help concerning an original parts catalog.

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

After a new rope and recoil spring, still fighting it, runs for a bit and then won't start, the plugs are wet when I take them out, looks like it's flooding. I'm think a carb kit and a new float, anything else I can check? Plugs look like new and the previous owner said they were new. I tried to go to the link above but it wants me to sign in and won't let me sign up.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

I tried to go to the link above but it wants me to sign in and won't let me sign up.

I never had a problem accessing the site but one other forum member reported your same situation. He later posted that he originally had been trying to access the site via one of the "I" products, Fone/Pad/Touch, but the problem went away when he changed to his computer. Might be a browser conflict, firewall or anti-virus deal. Electromagnetic forces beyond my comprehension. Good luck!

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Bought a carb kit w/ float and needle and seat, talked to the mech, he said 50:1, his dad used to teach the factory school for one of the manufactures, 24:1 was for 106 octane and 30wt motor oil, new kit is ethanol resistant, I'll try to get installed as soon as I can.

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

After having said 50:1 I found Max Wawrzyniak's articles and he says he runs 16:1 without fouling the plugs, so I don't think fouling is my problem. I suspect the float is not floating like it should due to ethanol, I hope the kit does the trick, carb is soaking. any body have any other input or experience with this? I can't seem to find anyone who had run into it.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

The link below is to Chinewalker's FAQ regarding fuel/oil mixtures. It says 24:1 also.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158072

My 1959 Johnson 35 started and ran on the first crank after complete overhaul BUT it would not idle. My problem was B4 ethanol and, after the third carb cleaning and kit, I finally found some really hard crud in the idle mixture screw passage. I had to use a pick to remove it, cleaned with spray carb cleaner and it ran great for ten more years.

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Thanks for the info, I just finished my work week and am going to tear into it again tomorrow, i will pay close attention to that idle screw passage.

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Okay, adjusted the low speed jet and it started running, but now the water stopped flowing, Cole Marine in Boise helped me out again with the right part, pumping water now and idling along. Off to Swan falls tomorrow, which I should note has no swans and no falls.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Great news! Hope you have a super outing with your classic outboard. So, why do they call it Swan Falls?

 

[petestucky]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Had a good time, my little girl and I each caught a little bass, the boat ran but needs fiddled with, I proved once again that you need to have the vent on the gas tank open, so if you see me out there somewhere with an OD green fiberglass boat that look like it survived Normandy and a black trailer that looks like it didn't, stop by and we will tell stories, mostly true of course.

PS Not sure why they call it swan falls, not sure why they call this the treasure valley for that mater, tis' a bit dry.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

Thanks for the update about the QFT with your daughter. Catching fish makes it extra special!

 

[souwilpa]

Re: 61 gale 15hp, won't stay running at an idle

After having said 50:1 I found Max Wawrzyniak's articles and he says he runs 16:1 without fouling the plugs, so I don't think fouling is my problem. I suspect the float is not floating like it should due to ethanol, I hope the kit does the trick, carb is soaking. any body have any other input or experience with this? I can't seem to find anyone who had run into it.

Where did you get your parts? I need a fuel pump kit.