Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

[Spitfire]

This has started fine since it was rebuilt last year. I needed to adjust the card and a few weeks ago we replace the connector (Female) going into the motor from the Gas Tank. We have tried to start the motor 4 seperate times twice it started and ran idle (in a tank) for over 5 minutes. Twice it would not start even after 1 hour of attempts. Most of the electrical system is either new or rebuilt. Any way to reliably check the spark ? Any typical LARK 40hp problems I should be looking for.

 

[JB]

Re: Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

Hi, Spitfire.<br /><br />To check the spark, disconnect one plug wire and hold the tip about 1/2" from the block (Hold it with insulated pliers). Turn the engine over. You should get a hot, blue spark.<br /><br />To check the fueling system, use a spray bottle to spray some fuel mix into the carb as, or befoe, you try to start her.<br /><br />Let us know what you find.

 

[Reel Appeal]

Re: Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

Hi Spitfire,<br /> I had a Evinrude Lark IV 40hp a ways back.I always had carb flooding problems with it.You know,gas dribbling out of the front of carbs?It was easy to flood out until I replaced the needle valves with new(neoprene tipped type needle valves).Maybe a float adjustment is in order? <br />THOSE MOTORS DONT NEED MUCH CHOKE TO START AND ARE PRONE TO FLOODING EASILY.

 

[Spitfire]

Re: Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

Hi JB, Hi Real Appeal, sorry for the long wait for a reply but the motor is still at my buddies cottage.<br /><br />I Sprayed fuel into the Carb. Checked the Spark, I did get a hot blue spark but not at 1/2" only at about 1/8". I even took the Carb Off and made sure there were no obstructions / Dirt. Fuel is definately getting into the Carb (checked the Fuel pump operation right to the card - it is ok).<br />We have tried with manual choke, with Automatic choke,with no choke. I also verified the synchronization and it checks out ok. One thing it is not doing is flooding. After each attempt I check the plugs and I have not seen them wet once.<br /><br />Any Ideas ?<br /><br />My buddy and I are really dissappointed since the Boat and the Motor were recovered and restored and it had ran all last year (albeit slowly).<br /><br />Hunting season is fast approaching..

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

Sounds like a Float problem is not allowing gas into the cylinders. Get a rebuild kit for the Carbs and check the floats again to be sure it's not sticking closed. Did it try to fire when you shot the mix in the carb? If the plugs are dry, you are not getting fuel through the carbs!

 

[Spitfire]

Re: Evinrude Lark 40hp 1969 Starting problems

We squirted fuel into the body of the Carb. It did not fire. We also double checked the fuel. It is working fine in other motors.<br /><br />How much fuel should I squirt in the opening ?<br />stream or SPRAY ? <br />(Let's say I had an old windex type bottle)<br />If I understand carb operation properly, if the Bowl is full, the engine should draw fuel up and through the body of the carb and into the engine. IT should then fire. (If the plugs are firing) I am really at a loss as it seems that once it starts it will run without stalling but we have only been successful starting it twice in now 5 attempts (these attempts are many hours). Are there any sure fire methods to isolate the problem....