Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

[steviecops]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

I took carbs off and stripped them down today. There was nothing in them that looked that terrible. The float needle was sticking a bit on the bottom carb, and the intermediate jet on the top carb was a little bit clogged. Both main nozzle gaskets looked tired. Apart from that, both carbs looked pretty clean inside. I gave them a good clean with carb cleaner, and blew out all the jets and channels anyway. Hopefully, when I get the kits and re-assemble the carbs, it'll make my motor run good again.<br /><br />I also want to put an inline fuel filter/water seperator in the line between tank and engine. Can I use any filter from a auto spares shop, or does it have to be a special boat engine one? Also, where is the best place for it, before the bulb, or after? And will it affect the fuel pumps ability to lift fuel from the tank?<br /><br />Thanks and a happy new year to all<br /><br />Steve

 

[steviecops]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

By the way, is there anything else I could be checking/cleaning while I've got the carbs off?<br />Thanks<br /><br />Steve

 

[SCO]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

yes, you can look at the reed valves, no problem suspected though but would be interesting to inspect if for nothing else but to know what they look like. Dont touch them.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

At long last, I finally got the parts to fix my engine today.<br /><br />One question before I re-build the carbs though. The new float needle in the carb kit has an "R" clip attached to it, and the old one didn't have anysuch clip. Does the clip on the new float needle need to be left on? Does it attach somehow to the metal arm on the float? The metal float arm has two holes in it, and I was wondering if they have anything to do with this clip.<br /><br />Thanks.<br />Steve

 

[SCO]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

Maybe thats your entire problem. The float is attached to the needle with a clip. W/o clip, the needle is of course not actuated by the float so the fule supply to the carb wouldn't be regulated, and might give intermittent operation. You will need to see an example at a boat shop or brochure.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

Got everything back together today and started the engine.<br /><br />It was difficult to start at first, I think I used too much choke and flooded it as there was a lot of gas running back down the carb throats. Anyway, eventually it started and ran great. The idle was still a bit rough, like before, but apart from that, no problems. I put half a can of OMC engine tuner through the carbs, and this seemed to smooth out the idle a bit as it was going through. I turned the engine off and left it for 3 hours. When I went back out, it started straight away and sounded great, very responsive and the idle seemed to have improved too.<br /><br />To recap what I did. <br />Rebuilt fuel pump. <br />Cleaned out and rebuilt carbs.<br />replaced all fuel lines and clips.<br />Synchronised choke & throttle linkages<br /><br />Here are the things I found wrong<br />No O rings under fuel filter cover<br />Main nozzle gaskets shot<br />Float needles sticking<br />One float set wrong<br />fuel lines hard and brittle<br />Fuel line clips missing<br /><br />I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this has solved my non starting problem, and thanks to those that posted so much good advice on this thread. I am a complete novice with outboards and couldn't have done any of this work without the help of this board.<br /><br />Thank you all so much, I now feel confident to tackle other jobs as and when they come up.

 

[SCO]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

Yeah Stevie. How about the float clip? Was that the "float needle sticking" or was there an old method of needle to float connection? If there was no connection between float and needle, I bet that was the problem. Is that your assessment? Have a good spring/summer and thanks for the update.

 

[steviecops]

Re: Please help. Engine won't start, suspected fuel problem.

SCO<br />There was no connection between float and needle when I stripped down the carbs. The carbs are now a lot better for having the new kits fitted.<br /><br />Hopefully, the problem is solved now. The engine is running fine at the moment.<br /><br />Thank you very much for all your advice and encouragement, it is much appreciated.<br /><br />All the best, and safe boating.<br />Steve