Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

[touverson]

I have a 1971 Sears 5hp motor what will not run above an idle. When it does idle it is very rough. Carb was just rebuild, New points and condenser, new coil. Any ideas.
Thanks
touverson

 

[steelespike]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

What are the symtoms?Does it run at all above idle does it stall ,stutter? etc.
Typically lack of high speed operation is a fuel related.Does it respond to the low speed mixture adjustment?Does it run worse or better if you shut off the gas supply?You need to verify all passages and jets are clear. If running on a remote tank the you need to have an excellent properly installed fuel pump element.

 

[touverson]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

I can get it running but the idle is very rough and it will not go above the idle. The carb has been torn down three times since the rebuild kit was installed. My carb does not have the fuel pump it is gravity feed.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

"won't go above idle" doesn't tell us much without a description how are we to figure any kind of solution.
When you advance the throttle does it just stop like you shut off the ignition?or does it stumble and fade? Some call it bogging.Does it stutter,shudder, smoke and stop. If its getting too much gas you could shut of the gas.It may smooth out for a short time as the gas gets used up.Then most motors rev momentarily as the gas runs out.Some carbs have a viton float valve seat
if its damaged or missing could cause trouble.

 

[touverson]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

The motor pops and shutters in the idle position. I can move the throttle to the full open position and it continues to do the same thing with very little RPM increase. I do not think my carb uses the vinton seat because when I tried it the float extended beyond the bowl limits. I just made sure all passage ways in the carb were clear. I can adjust the high idle all the way in and all the way out with very little change in how the motor runs.

 

[F_R]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

I assume the throttle butterfly is opening, right? (And closing).

 

[touverson]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

Yes it is. The throttle and choke are working fine. Could it be anything electrical like the mag.

 

[jimmys72]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

This is screaming fuel pump!You can get an electric that will work at napa.I have experienced the same exact thing you are and it is the fuel pump.To be sure make a gravity fed set up and see if it gets better.the original pump should be located inside the carb behind the fuel inlet.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

no fuel pump on that model and most parts NA. That is why I won't buy one that and they were not that much motor to begin with.

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...rn+to+Sub+Components+list&searchTerm=#partLst

could very well be a spark issue rather than a fuel issue.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

You might check the flywheel key.Be sure bore and shaft are clean and dry.
Torque to specs.Be sure the points are set to .020 on the high point of the cam.Popping and stuttering also can be from a lean condition.Try carefully squirting a little fuel mix into the carb.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

This is screaming fuel pump!You can get an electric that will work at napa.I have experienced the same exact thing you are and it is the fuel pump.To be sure make a gravity fed set up and see if it gets better.the original pump should be located inside the carb behind the fuel inlet.

I know you're trying to help, but there is no fuel pump on that outboard. Further, electric fuel pumps should not be used on outboard motors. If the engine dies, the pump continues to run and can cause a fire hazard.

For now, it might be better for you to continue to read the forum and only comment on outboards you have personal experience with.

 

[touverson]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

Thanks for the fuel pump idea but I think I'll pass. I just pulled the head off and the piston and rings appear to be fine. I am thinking a mag issue. The reeds also appear to be in good shape. If it keeps up, I'll have a brand new motor that doesn't run. Thanks for the ideas guys keep them comming we'll figure it out sooner or later.
Tom

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

Sure sounds like that little rubber thing in the carb flange that they refer to as a fuel pump though.

 

[winman99]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

I thought it was the pump element too (the orange rubber thing) until I checked www3.sears.com and noticed that this carb doesn't have it. It is quite a bit different than my 5hp that is only 2 or 3 years newer.

I personally experienced this type of situation with my 5HP once too. In my case it was the head bolts that shook themselves loose on the old one-banger. How tight were the head bolts when you removed them? Mine were in place ok, but had loosened enough that there was lots of compression lost around the gasket.
My issue was resolved with a new gasket and some loctite.

Good luck with your motor.
The good news is that if it is an ignition problem, you can still get parts wherease if it were a newer Solid State setup, you'd be looking for a donor motor.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Sears 1971 5hp 217-58992 will not run above idle

did you do a compression check before pulling the head? If it had good compression then likely pulling the head was a bad idea. luck finding a head gasket. Pull the flywheel and look at the coils, points and condensor. dirty points or a bad coil or a weak condenser can all cause the problem you are having. a motor needs three things to run, spark, fuel and compression all at the right time. New points can have film on them, condensors even new can be weak. especially if it's old stock. They leak just from sitting. Good luck to you