6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

[dtg2calvin]

I have a 1969 Evinrude 6hp. Bought it a couple weeks ago from a guy at work. It had not ran for a few years so I did the basic maintenance (New gas, check carb, impeller, lower unit oil, etc.). I ran it in a barrel at home several times, always started after a pull or two.

I finally took it to the lake the other day. It started in the second pull at the dock. I idled away, opened it up, and took off across the lake. I had never ran it WOT before and nothing seemed wrong. When I got to where I wanted to fish, I idled down and it started to bog down. I tried to rev it back up and it died. After that I could not get it to start.

I had never run it wide open for so long so I speculated that it might be hot. I let it cool down and sure enough, it started. Went to another fishing spot, warmed the motor up, shut it down, and it would not start until it had completely cooled down. I did this 5 times: started easily when cool, ran across the lake, shut down, would not start, allow to cool, repeat.

So the question is, what would cause this? I have yet to change the spark plugs or clean the points. Do either of these cause this? Is it vapor lock?

Thanks

 

[Daviet]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

Any way you could run it until it gets warm, shut it off and check the spark if it woun't start.

 

[marvxyz1]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

Make sure you're getrting plenty of water coming out of your exhaust.

 

[dtg2calvin]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

I could leave it in the barrel for 30 minutes and check, I suppose. How well will an engine run with one of the wires pulled? Will it stay running or do I have to check while pulling the starter rope?

There is plenty of water coming out of the exhaust. I just changed the impeller and it has 3 times the water as before I changed it.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

You need to check the spark using the recoil and a spark checker, do not try pulling a plug wire while the engine is running.

 

[dtg2calvin]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

What is a spark checker? Is it like a timing light? How do you check how intense the spark is?

 

[Daviet]

Re: 6hp Evinrude won't start when warm

Check with your local auto parts store, they usually carry them.
You ground one side of the checker and connect the other side to the plug wire. Set the gap to about 3/8", when you pull the recoil the spark should jump the gap. The spark should be bright blue and have a snapping sound. Remove both plugs so you are not fighting compression when you check for spark.