Finally got 3 cylinders going!

[Ranger Danger]

Hello all.

Quick backstory. Bought a boat from a friend, for cheap. Boat had been sitting for 8 years without being ran. I figured I'd be in for a challenge, and I have not been disappointed.

It's a 1978 Del Magic Cougar Runabout, with a 1978 Evinrude 115 HP OB.

My original problem was that if I started and ran it (on muffs) it would run like a champ. (Of course, no load on it.) I could take off the spark plug boots on the left side of the engine, and the engine would stay running. BUT, a pretty strong spark would jump across, at least a 1/2 inch gap. On the RIGHT side, you got a good jolt and the engine would immediately die if you removed a spark plug boot.

I took it to the lake, and she starts and idles fine, but won't plane the boat out or run over 5 to 10 mph. Additionally, with the air silencer off, I could see one jet on the upper carb wasn't squirting gas. So, I assumed it was running on only 2 cylinders.

Today, I took off the carbs and get them an even more thorough cleaning. After putting them back on and adjusting the electric choke where it actually closes the manifold, I fired her back up on the muffs. I took off the top left plug, and it was getting good spark but no shock. Took off the lower left, and get jolted pretty damn good. The engine kept running though.

My question is, should I get a couple of rebuild kits? Does it sound like a gas issue to you? Compression is good on all 4 cylinders.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Finally got 3 cylinders going!

You need to read this. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[Ranger Danger]

Re: Finally got 3 cylinders going!

Ok, I read that when I first started. I also purchased a manual, which has been great.

The only thing I've seen that I haven't done is buy carb rebuild kits, which was one of my original questions.

I supposed you're advice is to rebuild the carbs?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Finally got 3 cylinders going!

My advice is to stop shocking yourself! lol

There are easier ways to test for spark. An inline tester works well, or an inductive timing light if you want to check spark while running.

A boat that has been sitting for 8 years will need a carb rebuild whether that is the main culprit or not. That will not be a waste of money.

Clean and rebuild the carbs, lots of advice on here about that if you search, ensure that you are getting spark to all cylinders and you will have a good running motor.

As a side note, hope you are planning on doing the waterpump as well.

 

[Ranger Danger]

Re: Finally got 3 cylinders going!

Carb kits it is! I appreciate the advice.

Yes, I intend on doing the waterpump as well, but I've been trying to get the engine running well first. It's not getting hot and has a good tell tale stream, so far.

I appreciate all the advise. I'm leaning towards a fuel issue since it got better as I've re-cleaned the carbs.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Finally got 3 cylinders going!

Recommend a compression test first. If it doesn't have good compression, you'll have a decision to make before spending more time & money.

Spark test: get an inline spark tester (couple bucks at autozone), set the gap for 7/16", clip it to the engine block, attach the plug leads (one at a time) and look for a strong blue spark while cranking. If it can't jump a half-inch gap in the open air without a spark plug, it's not firing in the hole under heat & compression.