Boat shuts off after a few seconds.

[David2021]

My neighbor gave me his boat. Motor is a 1991 2-stroke Evinrude, 50 hp. He is retired and unable to use it (irrelevant). It has been sitting in his yard for 14 years. Some cosmetic work will need to be done. I took the hood off the engine and was surprised at how clean and well kept it looked (see attached photos).

The Problem: When I start the engine it shuts off after a few seconds when if the key is released to the on position. If key is held in start it will continue to run, then shuts off when I push on the throttle.

I want to mention:

1. I didn’t realize it till the end, but no water was feeding through the impeller when I had the muffs on. I don’t think it caused any damage though, just got a little hot.

2. I disabled the VRO and am using premixed fuel.

 

[Crosbyman]

how about doing the carb 14 years of dried fuel may be clogging things


need new impeller gearcase oil etc.... to wake it up properly check compression

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

It sat for 14 years, and you tried to run it without first replacing the water pump impeller? There in fact is a possibility that damage was caused. No water coming through is a bigger issue than it shutting off.

If it were me I would not try any more starts, pull the LU off and replace the water pump, check the oil, etc. Pull and clean the carbs, you can't expect them to not be clogged.

I'm far from as experienced as many on here, but that would be a basic starting point.

 

[Crosbyman]

see pic.... yellow areas subject to clog and sticking (needle)

 

[oldboat1]

need a factory manual: https://www.ebay.com/itm/193681421215?hash=item2d184ff39f:g:ShQAAOSwwH5fbNu5

 

[boobie]

Also check your compression.