1956 Evinrude Fisherman 5.5 trouble

In the process of working on our 56 evinrude fisherman. Motor isn't getting any fuel to the plugs. Have had some luck browsing the internet but can't find anything on the float setting in the carb. Also where can I find a reed valve for it? Have rebuilt carb and put new needles in and fuel is getting into the lines and sediment bowl. Any help would greatly be appreciated. Thanks

Re: 1956 Evinrude Fisherman 5.5 trouble

Welcome to iboats younger25!<br /><br />Float setting, with the bowl removed, hold the carb unside down. The float should be level with the bowl gasket surface.<br /><br />Are the reeds visibly bad? You can try TwinCity outboards for the reeds or Seaway Marine....just do a web search...both have sites.<br /><br />How is the spark to each cylinder? The spark should be able to jump a 3/8" gap with a strong thick spark. Point gaps are .020. A spark missing on just on cylinder can cause your problem.<br /><br />Keep in touch.....thanks.<br /><br />EDIT: Just one more thing...have you done a compression test on each cylinder? Good thing to do. Low or no compression will not get the fuel to the cylinders.

Re: 1956 Evinrude Fisherman 5.5 trouble

OBJ's right on the money... unless the reeds are visible broken or bent, they're probably okay. Very rarely do they go bad on these small motors. <br /><br />A couple of checks - is the cork gasket that's supposed to be at the base of the high speed jet standpipe present? It seals the standpipe to the orifice in the base of the carb bowl and is necessary for it to draw fuel. <br /><br />Also, just to check fuel flow - prime up the carb with fuel and then remove the high speed needlevalve (bottom one) and note whether fuel flows out of the bowl. Replace the needle valve and re-tighten the packing nut to give good tension on the shaft - enough to be able to move it by hand, but not so little that it moves on its own when running.<br /><br />When attempting to start the motor, if you pull the choke, then pull the motor over three or four times, you should get a bit of fuel puddling in the throat of the carb. If not, then it's probably not drawing fuel. If you put your thumb over the carb mouth, you should feel a bit of suction as you pull the motor over. Not a ton, but enough to notice...<br /><br />- Scott