What now? 1987 115 I6

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Hello Had my boat out sunday night for a test run well it took forever and a day to get going I did reset float height etc checked plugs after the run and it seemed a couple were dry and the rest were wet and oiley when it was running when I opened it up seemed to not run on all cylinders but would idle once started so I crawled back to the landing I did notice the bulb would lose pressure sometimes not much then be very noticeable I'm going to check the pump recheck compression before and after run and new spark plugs any other ideas are appreciated is there a way to check spark by yourself probably a inane ?

 

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Hmm I guess everyone is on vacation lol

 

[60sboater]

You can buy an adjustable-gap spark plug tester at an auto parts store. I think Lisle makes one. I don't have a I-6 but there are a lot of threads/topics on here about them.

 

[Dmpaul89]

don't run it like that, do a cylinder drop test. and check all carbs

 

[mr 88]

"It takes forever to get going",does that mean to get started or to go from a idle to full speed. If the later, have you tried opening up your idle screws ? Once you have your base setting of aprox. 1-1/2 turns out , start with the top idle screw and turn it out 1/8 to 1/4 turn and retry your acceleration. If still the same move to the middle carb and repeat,then to the bottom carb. Repeat if necessary. Dont like the fact that you say your bulb is losing pressure,does it prime up hard ? Have you tried priming it while your trying to accelerate ?

 

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Its always started hard technique? Bought new lines bulb etc oem month ago time before last it ran great got one of those lisle spark testers hard to check spark by myself tried again yesterday could get it to fire a little but then battery took a dump got it on charge will check comp today see what happens thanks for all the replies.

 

[mr 88]

Its always started hard technique? Bought new lines bulb etc oem month ago time before last it ran great got one of those lisle spark testers hard to check spark by myself tried again yesterday could get it to fire a little but then battery took a dump got it on charge will check comp today see what happens thanks for all the replies.

Your saying it has always been hard to start [ the question mark doesn't make sense.] Anyway if it has always started hard I would do two thing. 1st, when priming it once you think the bulb is hard ,keep squeezing it for 4-6 more times,what your doing is basically forcing gas into the system.If you take the wrap off you probably will see some gas spitting out of the carbs,which is ok. These motors like to a lot of gas to get them going and once they start up your usualy good for the day as far as the priming goes. 2nd I would buy a 3/8 ID one way gas check valve and insert it between the engine and bulb ,there on ebay if you cant find one locally for a few bucks. I never had any luck with a new priming bulb lasting any length of time or even working correctly out of the box in some cases,the valve takes care of that.

 

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Thanks for your reply the ? Is for you talk to ten guys and ten will have different ways to start this boat anchor I just want to get this running without having to spend half my retirement getting it running lol! I'll have to wait till dark so I can check the spark I bought a lisle spark tester 18.00 bucks at o'reilleys

 

[mr 88]

My,bad the check valve should go between the bulb and tank,I put it right next to the bulb. Most of the time I start the engine before heading to the ramp,just to make sure there are no other issues going on. Starts easier with no back pressure and you now have fuel in the system so when you hit the ramp it usualy right up.. In most cases the idle mixture screw should be lightly seated then turned out 1- 1/2 turns. After that if you try to acclerate and it doesnt get up and go ,start with the top carb and turn out the screw about a 1/8 of a turn,try it, and if its still sluggish repeat procedure with the middle carb,then the bottom.It might take a couple times to get it right.

 

[Wisc87-115-guy]

Thanks 2 weeks ago I was out and got it so it would jump out of the hole! Then next time out last time ran like poody pooh! I'm going to get someone to che k timing I'm going to replace all needle seats etc I check compression today was 120 across the board number four was 118 119 but hey I think that's good compression I'll post with timing etc soon