Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

[e065206]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

F_R - you suggested J6C plugs but the chart Gary H NC posted shows J4C. I put the autolites that crossed to the J6C in, but have not yet run the motor. Should I be concerned?

 

[F_R]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

Don't worry about it. Either is ok on that motor. The J6 is less likely to foul if you do a lot of trolling, but won't last quite as long if you do mostly wide-open blasting around.

 

[e065206]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

Good to know. I think I can get the J4 in Walmart too so it will be easier to replace for next time.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

BTW, OMC = Outboard Marine Corp. which was bought out by Bombardier division which is BRP.

 

[e065206]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

Well, I finally got around to using the motor last weekend. Per everyone's suggestions, I replaced the coils (the ones in the engine were blown) and the spark plugs.

When we got to the lake, I got the motor running, but it has no power. I have to run it on the leanest setting for the carb. It runs smooth (doesn't seem to be missing) but barely moved the boats along. I know a 10hp motor should have more power than what we were getting.

I'm tempted to bring it to a shop and just let them fix it - but I know I have so many helpful resources here I better at least ask for some advice.

Is there a timing adjustment? Other suggestions? Thanks.

-Vinny

 

[iwombat]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

It more than likely needs a carb rebuild. Outboard carbs are prone to collecting varnish and gunk if it sat at all, that's probably the case. Your main jets are probably the issue. Carb rebuild kits are pretty cheap and the procedure only takes a few minutes to perform. While you're at it, you should think about replacing the impeller too. On an old outboard like that, coils, plug wires, points kit, carb rebuild, and impeller are pretty standard fare after getting it.

Edit: Could also be a case of stuck rings, but i think that would translate into poor idle. Did you perform the seafoam decarb on it yet?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

Hmmm... did you ensure you have both plugs firing? You might have buggered up the wires or something. Also sometimes they dont connect fully under the coils when you change them.

Also, did you adjust the carb? As it sounds like you had it all over the place before. Start at lower (high) 3/4's of a turn out from lightly seated and the upper (slow) 1.5 turns out from lightly seated.

Also, did you ever do a compression check on it? If an engine has good compression, good spark and plenty of fuel it'll run great.

btw, I have a qd 18 and 3x19's and a 20 and a 10hp evinrude also...

 

[e065206]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

What I should have done is pulled one of the plug wires while I had it running to ensure both were firing. Since I keep this at our cabin, it might be a while before I get another chance to test.

I'll bring a compression tester and check it out as well.

 

[e065206]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

Edit: Could also be a case of stuck rings, but i think that would translate into poor idle. Did you perform the seafoam decarb on it yet?

seafoam decarb? I'll have to look that one up. Obviously, I haven't done that.

Supposedly, motor had been done right before I purchased it. Obviously, the coils had not been done which puts everthing else in question. A thorough tune up is likely in order.

Does anyone know of any reputable shops in the Phoenix, Arizona area?

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Outboards for Dummies - QD-20

I've been enjoying reading your thread.... It'd be a real shame for you to miss out on all the fun and let some shop fix that darned motor! Your son would have fun helping you, too. Buy a $15 carb. kit, take the carb. out, use a 99cent can of wal-mart carb. cleaner to blow out all the passages and make sure they're all clear, and put in your new packing bushings in the main jet orifices and adjust the carb like F-R said and use that motor for years to come. You'll be able to fix the darn thing faster than it would take you to reach the repair shop, and have the fun of thinking "by gosh- I rebuilt my first carb today". The kit will probably even come with instructions. That motor really is "an outboard for dummies" or I couldn't fix it, either. You also may want to check your lower unit oil when you put in your new water pump impeller. If it's bad you'll need to replace your lower unit seals. That's even more fun--the carb's much too easy. But F-R and Sam-Ott and others can talk you through that as well. With just a little cash and picking the brains of these experts on iboats, you'll have a motor that will really be "as good as new", and if it breaks--YOU'll know how to fix it.

------OR, you could just take it to a shop and have it done with.

All the 50's(my favorite years) johnsons and evinrudes are really nice motors and I'll bet you really love it when you get it "right".
Have fun,
JBJ