Small outboard not trolling well

[t_andersen]

Hi Guys,<br /><br />I have a small Evinrude (3-4 hp) and do a lot of trolling at lowest possible speed with my small boat. Last summer it would troll for 5-10 minutes, then the motor stalled. It was hard to start again. I figure that I should do something about it before the fishing season begins again. Do you have any suggestions for fixups?<br />Thanks<br />Tom

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Small outboard not trolling well

What is the model number of the engine?

 

[JB]

Re: Small outboard not trolling well

Ahoy, t_anderson, and welcome to iboats. <br /><br />When everything is correct that series of 3-4hp is probably the best small outboard ever made.<br /><br />We need the model number. <br /><br />Do you have the integral tank or remote tank?<br /><br />It sounds like it is runnning out of fuel. That could be a fuel supply problem or a fuel pump problem with the remote tank setup.<br /><br />With the integral tank it would probably be a restricted filter in the tank outlet or a restricted tank vent.<br /><br />A long shot could be that it is not cooling adequately and is overheating. When did you last replace the impeller?<br /><br />Let us know, and good luck.

 

[t_andersen]

Re: Small outboard not trolling well

Hi Outboard Angels!<br /><br />My small outboard is a 4 hp, two-stroke, two-cylinder, Evinrude, model number BE4BREUC, Ser. no. 03/19 purchased in Sweden in 1998. It has been running well and basically still is, only it gets a little tired after trolling for 10 minutes at low speed. It's like the revs going down and down. When I get it started again, it trolls for another 10 minutes and then gets tired again. I don't have a separate gas tank, I use the one on the motor. My own suspicion is that the fuel/air ratio should be adjusted but I am not experienced with outboards, I have mostly been working with my chain saws and lawn mowers. Is there any place on the web where one can download a service manual or do I have to buy a Haynes book or go to e-bay to get it? Are there low and high speed fuel/air adjustment screw on these outboards?<br /><br />I'll do a decarb shortly.<br /><br />Thankful for any help-<br />Tom

 

[OBJ]

Re: Small outboard not trolling well

Tom....there is a low speed needle. To access it, pull the large plug on the front of the carb cover. You'll need a longish screwdriver to make any adjustments. Don't recall the rough setting for the needle, but what you can do is count the numbers of turns it takes to GENTLY seat the needle. Then back it out the same number of turns. This gives you a reference point to go back to if any adjustments don't make a difference in the engines running.<br /><br />If you make adjustments, to it in small increments and give the engine about 15sec's to respond to the adjustment. Usually, turning the needle in makes the mix leaner and the engine pick up speed...but avoid getting it to lean.<br /><br />I don't know of any place on line to download a manual. You can search for Ken Cook Co, Marine.com or outboardwizard. You can get reprints of the original service manuals there.<br /><br />Keep us posted....thanks.