I am having three problems with my 1985 Evinrude 40 with electric remote vro. First, it very hard to start every time, cold or hot, unless I raise the idle lever all the way up and prime the carb using the ignition key. Secondly, the engine wont idle on it owns. Third, the engine surges at @4500 rpm or higher whenever the boat skips over a wave. I have to throttle down to @2500 rpm, let it settle down before I can increase throttle again. Then it repeats all over again.<br />Here what I done so far. The compression test is the same as three yrs ago. Its 140 psi at #1 cyl and 80 psi at #2. The reason for the difference is three yrs ago the vro gave out during a cruise and I assuming it damaged the rings in #2. I now mix my oil with the gas, but the oil hose is still connected. It been running smooth ever since and there is enough power for me anyway. I replaced the plugs and wires. I disconnected each wire to the plug one at a time. There was a considerable drop in rpm for both cyl. I checked the timing for 19* btdc and it was close enough. I cleaned out the tank, install new fuel hose, clean out the filter, and messed with the linkages. Nope.<br />Now dont laugh but I happen to have an identical engine in my yard for spare parts. The lower unit blew but the engine was in fine shape. I swapped the carbs and fuel pump. No improvement. I then disassemble all four carbs and found a little scum in one and float adjustment off in another. I cleaned and adjusted as needed. I did not rebuild them. I used the old gaskets and needles. I couldnt strip it down completely because I was afraid of breaking something. They looked very clean otherwise. Actually, I could rev those babies manually with the throttle linkage and they sound as if they really kick ***. Now here something that puzzles me. I can put a rag over the #1 carb and block the air from entering. The engine died. When I did this to #2 the engine still ran, and it felt a little smoother. Is that strange? After reading the forum, my guess is the reed plate/valve could be the culprit. Do you agree? Thanks for any suggestions. <br /><br />-Caphank.
<br /><br />You sure have a barrel of snakes there.<br /><br />First of all, running the engine with no load tells you nothing except that the engine runs.<br /><br />It seems that your #1 cylinder is making almost all of the power. That makes sense because the #2 is clearly damaged.<br /><br />The under-load behavior you describe sounds like you are severely down on power. 4500 rpm is the lowest rpm you should get at full throttle. 5500 is a good rpm for top speed running.<br /><br />Your engine, I fear, needs something more than TLC. It needs a major overhaul, maybe even a rebuild. Either reconnect the VRO or completely remove the oiling system and tune it according to the Service Manual. <br /><br />Good luck, and let us know what you find. 