Re: Bad gas or not?
There will be a plate on the port (left) transom bracket that has the Model & Serial number on it. There may also be a core plug (looks like a small freeze out plug) on the powerhead (block) that has those same numbers. We need the "Model NUmber" to determine exactly what engine you have.<br /><br />Do not use starting fluid as that has no lubricating qualities. If you need to spray anything into the engine use a spray container of fuel that has the same fuel mixture that the engine requires.<br /><br />Your erxplanation of the problem indicates that the carburetor is fouled and will require removing, cleaning, and rebuilding with a complete carburetor kit. The kit will no doubt be available at NAPA or at your local dealership.<br /><br />That knob you speak of.....<br /><br />(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.<br /> <br />Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running.<br /> <br />Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting. <br /> <br />Note: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.<br /><br />When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
