Trouble w/ Carb...I think. Leaving for Vacay w/ boat in 12 days, please help

CaliCash

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
35
I took my boat to the local lake for a test run to try and get all bugs worked out before I tow her 300 miles to Lake Havasu for our vacation.

Ok, I have a 1989 Hurricane SD 196 w/ a 5.8 liter OMC Cobra (double barrel carb, which I had rebuilt 3 seasons ago and only use it about 4 times a year during the warmer months, probably about 35 hrs since rebuilt carbs).

When I went to start it in the morning it took a while to get her started because of the cold...this is usual, no biggie, but throughout the day it was always the same thing...every time when i went to start her up shed take forever to start and when she finally would start when I went to get her some throttle, she'd die. I took the air cleaner off the carb and noticed that the flange (not sure what it's called) on top of the carb wasn't closing, it was staying open and almost like it was giving it too much air in at once. Once I sprayed some starting fluid on the carb, she'd start and I'd slowly give some throttle, she'd be fine, but when I'd go to punch it out of the whole, there would be somewhat of a hesitation or a pause then she'd get up and go.

Any ideas on why that flange piece would be staying open? Or is it the carb? Is there a way to fix it or should I take it to a carb shop? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated, as I leave for my week long vacation to Lake Havasu in 12 days. Thanks everyone and Happy Boating!!!
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Trouble w/ Carb...I think. Leaving for Vacay w/ boat in 12 days, please help

With as little as you use it, and as old as the fuel is getting, No wonder you have the hesitation. Have you replaced the fuel filter lately?
If not, pull the filter and check it for water before you throw it away. Pour the contents into a clear container and see if you get water seperation, if so, how much.
The "Flange" you are talking about is the choke. If it's electric, the round black choke coil on the side of the carb has probably failed.
 

CaliCash

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 28, 2009
Messages
35
Re: Trouble w/ Carb...I think. Leaving for Vacay w/ boat in 12 days, please help

Thanks for your response Don S!

I changed the oil in the motor along with the oil filter and the fuel filter before i took it out. The choke...is that a replaceable part that I could get and replace it myself?
 
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