Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

[ad4par1]

Yeee Haaaw!<br /><br />Don't you know it, more problems. Started with my '71 Johnson 50HP (50ESL71) and overheated it to the point of tapping. Replaced impeller, engine now cool, but no power. Rebuilt both carbs. Vrrrooooom! Boy did she blast off. Took her out for 2 hours, no problems. Two days later, went fishing. A little WOT here, a little troll there, engine off for bottom fishing and then now power beyond idle speed while in gear. RPMS up and down. Went home and cleaned carbs again just in case I missed something. Next day, vroooom, good power/speed. A little WOT here, a little troll there, engine off for some bottom fishing there, and then, same thing again, now power beyond idle in gear. RPMS up and down again. Checked compression (again) 180/160. Ok, now I'm p'd. I yank powerhead out, pull head/water jacket, pulled inner/outer exhaust plates. Cylinders look good (took it to machine shop to verify), new gaskets/thermostat on order. Cleaned up head/piston/exhaust carbon. Now...tomorrow I'm pulling the flywheel and having a look at the stator. Hmmmm, could my problem lie in there? Could I have melted something? I suppose my question is: What else should I look for while I have the engine in pieces? I might as well do it all now so I don't have to pull it again. If I don't get it fixed this time, it will be a boat anchor and I'll be going back to boat renting instead of owning.<br /><br />Thanks! Sorry for long post.

 

[Plains Puddlerunner]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

Had a similar problem on a 1968 55 H.P. turned out to be the fuel line was slightly kinked between teh airbox and the block. Motor would run great as long as I didn't shut if off after running it then same thing couldnt get above idle. found the fuel line would collapse after getting warm from the block. Maybe similar or maybe not but worth a look.

 

[ad4par1]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

Thanks Plains Puddlerunner, I'll be replacing all fuel/vacuum lines in my endeavor. Good input!

 

[ad4par1]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

OK, flywheel off. There is some very mild corrosion on the inside of the flywheel (like salt/sand). The magnetos (?) on the stator are dirty and 2 have a "goo" on them. I believe the stator is working as the last trip I drained the battery and had to get a jump. Motor ran and charged battery enough to get starts after shutting down. Can the stator be my problem? Perhaps only working intermittetly? I always thought either it worked or it didn't. <br /><br />Thanks all, as usual, you all are always helpful.

 

[Bear]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

An air leak? How about the carb gaskets and surface? <br /><br />A new thermostat is a good idea. Were you running without the thermostat? Could cause erratic idle but not power loss like this one.<br /><br />"now power beyond idle in gear. RPMS up and down again." Twice. Is that NO power? I guess. <br />The fuel pump diaphram, did you replace it too? Is the primer bulb firm? Did you squeeze it when this occured?<br /><br />What about the spark plugs, new and clean?

 

[ad4par1]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

Thanks for the reply Bear. Yes, the plugs were new and clean. It had a thermostat in is but it was shot...stuck open. The carb gaskets were replaced with the carb rebuild. Mating surfaces were cleaned before reinstallation. Yes, no power...like a total bog down. I haven't replaced the fuel pump (non-servicable type) but I think I will when the engine goes back on. Bulb gets and stays firm. Squeezed bulb and activated choke during problem--no change. Diagnostic checks on the pump (per manual) check out fine, but you never know. <br /><br />Thanks again Bear!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

Maybe I missed something. You had a problem and you fixed it. You had the same problem again and you fixed it the same way again. And you had the same problem again - - -. That sorta tells me that the fix is in the same area. You just didn't go far enough - -. Keep troubleshooting the fuel system. Old fuel? Water in fuel? Air in the line? Fuel pump? Carbs still not quite right?

 

[ad4par1]

Re: Latest and Greatest Problems...Geez!

Thanks SoLittle, but I think that I never fixed the problem after the overheat. I suspect that this problem arises after running for a while then shutting down for a while then trying to go again. I did not replace the head gasket after the overheat which could be the root of my problem, we'll see after I put it all back together. I now wonder if the stator could be operating intermittently. I'm not sure how to check it. I think I'll take it to the Johnny dealer and let them have a look/test it. The "goo" that is on the magnetos (?) can't be normal. I wonder if it is something that melted in the overheat. Fuel pump will be repaced anyway along with all new lines and goodies!<br /><br />Thanks again SoLittle!