evinrude lack of power issue

[mikehoustontx]

I’m having a lack of power issue with the top cylinder on a 1984 Evinrude 50HP 2 cycle 2cyl. outboard Model E50TLCRM.. The powerhead has about 30 hours on a complete rebuild.. Before the problem occurred the motor was running fine. It sputtered briefly due to a low fuel level in 1 of the 6 gal tanks. I switched to the 2nd tank and continued fishing with no problems.<br /><br />The last trip to the lake, the motor started but idled a little rough. Away from the dock, it would not accelerate; no power. I loaded it up and brought it home to troubleshoot the problem. Throughout the troubleshooting, the problem has remained with the #1 cyl. A compression check on both cylinders shows 150 psi with no discernable variation. Occasionally, fuel will “spit” out of the #1 carb as the motor jerks.<br /><br />A list of things checked so far.<br /><br />A. Electrical<br />1. Swapped spark plugs<br />2. swapped plug wires<br />3. swapped coils (wiring was modified so that power pack would fire correct coil)<br />4. checked spark to ground (3/8 inch plus spark, both cyls.)<br />5. connected timing light; good steady spark on both cyls. At idle, #1 firing at TDC, #2 at 180 degrees from TDC<br />6. Checked battery voltage; 12+ volts<br />7. Inspect and reseat connectors<br /><br />B. Mechanical<br />1. Disassemble, clean, and check carbs, matched float levels<br />2. swapped carbs<br />3. swapped V-box reed plate assemblies<br />4. Installed new fuel pump kit<br />5. Temporarily installed clear fuel line tubing to upper carb; good flow with very few air bubbles<br />6. Squit fuel directly into upper carb (at idle)<br />7. Inspect upper crankcase seal; packed around seal with petroleum jelly, ran motor, then reinspect seal for signs of a vacuum leak or blow by<br />8. Checked stator for possible rubbing on flywheel.<br />9. Carb air flow test; by holding a piece of paper 1 inch or so in front of the carbs, a fine mist of fuel was visible on the paper. Covering the carb with paper; on #2 cyl a puddle of fuel would develop at the carb opening and the motor dies, #1 cyl a fuel puddle developed but the motor would continue to run.<br />10. KICKED it and CUSSED repeatedly.<br /><br />Any ideas??? <br />Thanks in advance<br />Mikehoustontx

 

[Dhadley]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

Welcome aboard!<br /><br />Whats the compression numbers?

 

[mikehoustontx]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

AS stated, 150 psi on both cylinders, Checked it three times with virtually no variation in readings

 

[Steve135]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

mikehoustontx, I just ran thru the same thing as you with a 1984 70 hp rude. I did fix my problem today.But I don't know why? I went to the reed valves for tht number 1 carb and saw nothing alarming I touch them to see if they were free moving, they were. I started to take off the intake but it was pretty stuck in place and I didn't have a new gasket. So I never remove it and just retorked the bolts. Put everything back together and it runs great? So there it is i still don't know why? I had your same systoms and did everything you did I choked off that #1 carb with nothing at all happening. Today it could have sucked off my hand?<br />steve

 

[OBJ]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

Mike....the 150lb compression seems....enviable. Could you get another compression gage and test again? What I'm saying is, 150psi on an 84' is just a little unbeleivable. I have a 84' 50hp and the best I ever got was 95psi/cylinder.<br /><br />Sinky2....you probably freed up some sticky reeds.<br /><br />Keep us posted....thanks.<br /><br />EDIT: The fuel mist and puddling is interesting. Did you take a look at your reeds while the carbs were off? You may have one cracked.

 

[mikehoustontx]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

I'm back up and running but I don't know exactly why. I got a couple of local boat mechanics to talk about the possible causes. One advised taking the boat to the lake so as to create a "load" on the prop and squirt the fuel mix directly into the #1 carb. His reasoning was that this test should eliminate or confirm a fuel delivery issue.<br /><br />Under load at about 1/3 throttle, I hit it with a 2nd shot of fuel. The motor coughed and then came to life. I've had the boat out the past 2 days with no power problems at all.<br /><br />As for the compression check; the readings were done with a brand new gauge. Twice with the schrader valve in place and once with it removed.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you for the suggestions and info.<br /><br />One more thing; my preferred online boat parts company "theshadconnection.com" has, apparently, ceased business operations. Any recommandations on other online sources?<br /><br />Mikehoustontx

 

[OBJ]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

Thanks for lettin' us know how ya' make out Mike. Possible ya' had a sticky reed. Strange things happen with these critters.....enjoy!

 

[bidlimit]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

Maybe you sucked something into the carb or fuel lines when you ran the tank down, creating a blockage.

 

[angus63]

Re: evinrude lack of power issue

You may want to try<br />www.theoutboardwizard.com<br />Good Luck