no power

[klager]

I recently purchased a boat with a 1976 55 hp evinrude motor. When I ran it in the driveway (with earmuffs) it started and seemed to idle really well. I put it in the lake yesterday and found that it ran well except when I was at full throttle the power was not there...still ran smoothly just no get up and go. I am new to boating and would appreciate any input as to what the problem may be thnx.

 

[crestlinermusky]

Re: no power

When you say it ran well at the lake. Do you mean it idled well and when you throttled up the power wasn't there.
Check for any fuel leaks at the motor or the ine from the tank, also check to see if you have spark at each of the spark plugs

 

[klager]

Re: no power

It did idle well in the lake and had no power when accelerating ( or trying to). When I returned home I parked it in the garage for the night. I did smell gas when I went to the garage this morning.That will be where I start. thnxs

 

[klager]

Re: no power

This may be a silly question, but the boat came with older tanks and somebody told me when not running the boat to loosen the gas cap to prevent pressure build up in the tank....Is this neccesary? Could be why I smelled gas in the garage.
:facepalm:

 

[jchristi]

Re: no power

This could be several things. outboards need compressed air, fuel and spark. You're not getting one of those. I would start by checking the compression and posting the numbers. No need to beat this point home now but never buy a boat without a test drive in the water.

 

[glengold]

Re: no power

boats with a built in tank have a hose that ventilates the tank 24/7. thats why we have the problem with ethanol, constant water vapor entering tanks. we have no idea what your boat has in it so we cannot comment. my guess is that the motor needs a decarb, plus an overhaul on the carbs. Look at the plugs after doing both. good luck