Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

[gooberpea]

A few weeks ago I was sailing in Montreal when I managed to blow a gasket in my 83 Honda outboard. I needed to keep moving, so I found a 1954 Evinrude for sale from a guy who had had it laid up in his basement for 12 years. It brought be home.

It's been running pretty well, but I can't get the bottom mixture knob to stay in place. It vibrates and spins on its own. I've tried tightening the bronze nut inside the cover, but that stopped the knob from moving at all, which caused me quite a lot of trouble.

After developing a nasty blister on my cord-pulling finger, I finally figured out that the knob wasn't working, and I loosened the nut. Now I have to keep the knob in place with duct tape, which is not ideal.

How do I fix this?

Also, does anyone have any idea how much I should ask for the Evinrude once I get the Honda fixed?

Thanks!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

INstall the proper packing washers (307583) in back of that high speed bronze/brass locking nut. Use just a couple as needed. Tighten the locking nut to a point whereas the needle valve will stay put but you can turn it as needed.

 

[gooberpea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

Thanks!

Is that something I can get retail in any outboard shop, or do I need to order it online?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

You usually have to order a rebuild kit to get those parts, however, if you ask your OMC/BRP dealer they might give you a couple washers. I have also used an o-ring in place of new packing on motors like yours where the carb works fine except for the jet tension. Coincidentally, I have used an o-ring on my 1953 Fastwin. The packing nut seemed to "top out" on the air silencer before it could compact the packing washers enough.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

the oring sounds like a good idea.I have used plumbers teflon taperoll a piece of,fold it double than roll it into a round shaped packing string,wrap it around the needle a few times tightenb tour needle til it bottoms out,then back of the needed amount,I think its 3/4 turn,but wont swear to it,after that done tighten the packing nut down til snug,check you needle for tightness,if too loose tighten a bit more,if it takes too many turns on the nut,add more teflon

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

The 307583 packing washers have always been readily available at any dealership, and I suggest you use what belongs there rather than go the patch work route. If at first one uses something else instead of the proper part, then later another item is replaced with a make do item.... eventually the engine becomes a mass of questionable units.

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

Normally I'd agree with you, Joe, but I don't think using an o-ring until such time as the carb needs to be rebuilt will make the motor a hoveled mess. Maybe your dealership is better than mine, but when I need just a factory welsh plug or packing my dealer just scoops a handful of left over carb kit parts and lets me dig through them. I stopped bringing him part numbers for such items because of it.

 

[gooberpea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

Thanks for the advice.
I removed the old cork washers, and put two new washers in.
The know still doesn't seem to want to stop moving on its own when the motor's running, and now the motor won't run nearly as quickly.
Any suggestions?

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

You need more washers. The nut isn't sealing the jet. You are (probably) topping out on the air silencer before the nut can compact the packing. Also, did you remove the bowl and make sure none of the old packing is clogging the high speed orifice?

 

[gooberpea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

Thanks!
I'll put in a few more washers, remove the bowl and give it another try.
This forum is great. I would have no clue how to solve this problem without your help.

 

[gooberpea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

I have put in more cork washers, removed them, etc. Can't start it at all now.
Any ideas?
Also, I couldn't see how to remove the bowl.
Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.

http://stores.ebay.com/Evinrude-Johnson-Outboard-Parts-etc?refid=store

 

[gooberpea]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

Mr. Reeves,

I have followed those instructions, but now it won't start at all. I tried it with one washer, two washers, three washers behind the high speed knob. Couldn't tell how many I should have. Someone told me today it's two.

My original problem was the high speed knob was jiggling, so it wouldn't stay in place. Had to use duct tape to keep it in one spot, which was messy and only so effective.

So, I bought the washers, installed them and then it was only running at about half speed. So I tried adding more washers, and now it won't work at all.

Wondering if I should try opening the carb up, but I've never done that and I'm not keen on it.

Almost ready to give up on this old beauty.

 

[F_R]

Re: Bit of a problem with the mixture knob on 54 15 hp evinrude

The needle valve packings have nothing to do with the motor starting or not starting except to the extent that you might have gotten them way out of adjustment while working on it.

You need to start the troubleshooting at the beginning. Remember this: Most carburetor problems are not carburetor problems at all.