Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

[Gas Giant]

Motor is a '63 Evinrude Big Twin, 40hp. Can't remember the model number offhand.

First off, let me say that the engine runs great when its warmed up; idles good, and has no problem flinging that little Orlando Clipper through the water at breakneck speed. I can throttle up slowly, or quickly, and there is no hesitation either way. In fact, the motor hasn't let me down on the water at all since I got it running well.

But, when the engine is cold or hasn't run for a week or two, when I first start it, it revs up a bit and "sneezes" a few times. It does this for maybe 5-10 seconds, and then stops and wont' do it again. Runs beautifully after that, and will restart with no problems. Until the next time I run the engine a few days later, then it does the sneezing thing again.

In order to start it, I close the choke, and crank it up. I then manually flip the choke open immediately after it starts since I don't think that automatic choke works.

So, my questions are, 1) Is the minor "sneezing" a problem? Or is it just that the engine is cranky when cold? 2) If it is a problem, what should I do about it?

For reference, the carb was rebuilt, and the engine has new fuel lines and a new fuel filter. Ignition was also totally replaced (points, condensors, coils, spark plug wires). I also adjusted the S/S needle per this website after the carb was rebuilt.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

What you have described indicates that you have the slow speed adjustable needle valve adjusted slightly lean. While the engine is sneezing, turn it counter clockwise slightly until the sneezing stops. Unlikely you'll need to turn it far judging by your explanation.

 

[Gas Giant]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

Joe,

Will do! thanks!

 

[F_R]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

Since it idles ok when warmed up, the adjustment probably is ok. Perhaps just a tad on the lean side but not necessarily. However, sneezing when first cold started is perfectly normal. That is why they put that automatic choke on there. As you said they never worked right so what you are doing is just fine. You can minimize the sneezing by applying just a bit of choke till it warms up enough to run without it..

 

[lindy46]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

My '57 Lark does exactly the same thing when cold and I consider it normal. I hit the choke button a few times until she warms up a bit and I'm good to go.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

I find that with alot of my Big Twins, they like to be started cold a little rich. I personally richen the slow speed needle a 1/4 turn until she warms up, then set it back to its ideal setting.

 

[Gas Giant]

Re: Engine "sneezes" a few times when started - problem or no?

Thanks for the replies....sounds like its behaving normally.