engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

marunr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2004
Messages
225
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Ok, when setting the float level, I know 1st setting is critical and 2nd setting, which is float drop, keeps the carb from starving for fuel esp. in rough conditions. I'm given a MINIMUM float drop of 1-19/32". If I have a drop of 1-3/4" I should be ok right?Imean, I have a rich condition anyway, not a starving condition.<br /><br />Also, my wiring diagram shows the resistor wire runs from the alternator to the coil + pole. Wouldn't engine have to be running to check to see if there is too much resistance and not enough voltage to the coil?
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Originally posted by marunr:<br />[QBAlso, my wiring diagram shows the resistor wire runs from the alternator to the coil + pole. Wouldn't engine have to be running to check to see if there is too much resistance and not enough voltage to the coil? [/QB]
No it doesn't have to be running, just key 'on' is o/k.<br /><br />Aldo
 

marunr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2004
Messages
225
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Update: I soaked the carb overnite in cleaner and reassembled it. Checked fuel pressure...5.5 psi, volume good per Seloc manual. I put the carb on and it ran pretty good with just a little rough idle, but a good run through the RPM range. There was a dead spot in the acceleration which appeared to be a low fuel level. I reset the float and the pump shoots a steady stream BUT!!! Now the engine won't stay running and I have to pump it so much to get it started that it floods, then runs out of fuel.<br /> <br />Here is my problem: the carb kit I bought does not show the float or pump rod setting for my carb number and the setting the Seloc manual gives me are obviously wrong unless the float isn't operating properly. The carb kit was cross referenced at Napa from the OMC book, so I don't know what to do. Somehow I need to find the proper setting. I have 3 different settings from 3 different sources, but none that show THIS carburetor number. Maybe I should just go buy a kit from the marina and pay 3 times the price. What say you guys?<br /><br />By the way, it's a Rochester 2 barrel. The carb rebuild shop in town wants $185 to rebuild it.
 

jawzzy

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 16, 2002
Messages
154
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

the $185 would have been your best bet in the begining I'd say:) I took mine in for the same price, which included the kit, and the guy did such a great job, it looked justed like new. You need a guy who has the hot TANK to soak it in,(that way all the little areas get cleaned right out too!) and a working "bench" to test it on as well, like mine did. He even painted the black parts black again! Well worth the few bucks. <br />If you happen to be in southern ontario, I can pass on his info. You can UPS it to him as well if you can afford the time. Took 2 days to get mine back. If you let a marina just do a basic rebuild, you're usually wasting your money, and they make you wait weeks to get it back:(
 

Ralph 123

Captain
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
3,983
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

If you shop around you can buy a brand new Edelbrock or Holley marine carb for not too much more.
 

cobra 3.0

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 31, 2003
Messages
1,797
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

If you look at you float, can you impress your finger nail in it and see wetness coming through? If so your float needs replacing.
 

EEaton

Cadet
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
15
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

A mechanical fuel pump would not cause an increase in pressure when it fails would it?<br />
I have seen this happen on small tractor engines. Not an increase in pressure per-say, but a failure to release pressure when the float closes.<br /><br />I wouldn't rule it out for the original problem.
 

Alexo1us

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 26, 2004
Messages
81
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

I not sure but I think you need to look again at the book All the omcs I think are 4 degress BTC. if I'm incorrect I sure some one will pipe in.
 

marunr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2004
Messages
225
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Alex,<br />My engine is a 2.3l ford. According to my owners manual, it should be 10 degrees BTDC. According to the Seloc manual it should be 6 to 9 degrees depending on octane rating. <br /><br />I've still been having some interesting things going on with the fuel that I haven't been able to pinpoint. I'll try to detail the situation later on.<br /><br />Thanks!
 

Alexo1us

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 26, 2004
Messages
81
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Sorry I just Read your post again. silly I forgot they made those. The site still may give you so ideas.
 

xltier

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 20, 2004
Messages
636
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

black sooty plugs dont fire properly.they fire up inside and cause skipping.black soot on the boat is definately to much gas to air ratio.maybe the needle valve,float saturated,or power rods in the carb stuck up.hth
 

marunr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 11, 2004
Messages
225
Re: engine runs terrible...need advice please? Update Fixed!

Ok, it's running great! It turned out to be the condenser. We put a new one in and it runs just like it should. I should have replaced it the second time when oldbaldfatguy told me to. After having it run, then not run, then flood out, I guess the spark just wasn't consistent. <br /><br />Thanks for everyones help!
 
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