It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

[bbr711]

Our sailboat has a Johnson Seahorse outboard, and sometimes we have to use it... Only, now it's failing us.

It was running fine when we took a sharp lefthand turn, then it began to sputter and refused to run past idle. Revs up great in neutral, but put it gear and put a load on it, won't run at all quater twist past idle... Even then it won't hold a steady rev.

We replaced the plugs, and that cured the problem for a day. Now it's back to not wanting to run...

Considering this all began with a turn of the boat, I assume that the fuel tank sloshed and might've kicked up water or debris into the fuel line and into the motor. So, I've pulled the fuel tank and given it a thorough cleaning.

What else might be causing this problem? What can I do?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, I'm at a loss...

Thanks -

Steve

 

[ezeke]

Re: It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

The high speed orifice or jets are likely fouled. Located in the bottom of the float bowl of the carburetor, they easily pick up any debris in the fuel system. You will need to remove the carburetor, clean and rebuild it.

Some assistance may be available once we know what motor you have.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

Our sailboat has a Johnson Seahorse outboard, and sometimes we have to use it... Only, now it's failing us.

It was running fine when we took a sharp lefthand turn, then it began to sputter and refused to run past idle. Revs up great in neutral, but put it gear and put a load on it, won't run at all quater twist past idle... Even then it won't hold a steady rev.

We replaced the plugs, and that cured the problem for a day. Now it's back to not wanting to run...

Considering this all began with a turn of the boat, I assume that the fuel tank sloshed and might've kicked up water or debris into the fuel line and into the motor. So, I've pulled the fuel tank and given it a thorough cleaning.

What else might be causing this problem? What can I do?

Any ideas are greatly appreciated, I'm at a loss...

Thanks -

Steve

It would be good to know what size motor and boat, because unless it's a good size motor and a small sailboat, even a "sharp" turn is not going to be a high-g curve that would cause a sudden change in status of the motor.
Did you mean that the motor was turned sharply to initiate a left turn?

I would be inclined to look for something relatively simple but subtle.
e.g.
Most OMC O/B I have owned had the gas line connection on the port side. A sharp turn to port, coupled with a tight gas line may have put a strain on the connection, damaged the o-ring, and you may have an air leak.
Recheck all gas connections and lines and if possible try it with a known good tank and gasline.....that sort of thing.
The temporary improvement with new plugs sounds more coincidental than related to the problem

 

[bbr711]

Re: It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

Thanks for the insights!

The motor is a 1984 Johnson 6HP, model J6RLCRN, serial # E5875248

The boat is a 22' Oday.

We turned the boat to port, not the motor. As soon as we did, the problem began.

Any more guidance toward solution is much appreciated!

Steve

 

[iwombat]

Re: It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

Remove the outer cover of the fuel pump - the big stainless screw. Underneath there's a wire screen. Make sure that isn't clogged up, then think about carbs etc.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: It all started with a sharp lefthand turn...

Thanks for the insights!

The motor is a 1984 Johnson 6HP, model J6RLCRN, serial # E5875248

The boat is a 22' Oday.

We turned the boat to port, not the motor. As soon as we did, the problem began.

Any more guidance toward solution is much appreciated!

Steve

So a 6 hp is not going to push that 22 footer through a hard left with a lot of Gs.
To make that turn, the motor has to go hard starboard which would pull on the gas line....if there was not enough slack, the fuel connection could have been compromised.

It just seems too much of a coincidence that a sharp turn with that boat/ motor combination would cause an internal fuel system problem instantly.
I would still look for an external, oddball thing first.

Just a thought.

BTW, when you changed plugs, did you have to take the motor off....or did you do it at a berth....or were you able just to tilt the motor enough to access the plugs?
If the latter, could you have "wiggled" the fuel line and thus the connection, enough that it seated properly, albeit temporarily?