1988 Envinrude 9.9

To be honest, I know nothing about boat motors.

I use my grandfather's 88' evinrude 9.9. It worked fine for years. This year it takes a while to get started, and it won't idle, it'll stall, and if I start giving it gas, it slowly dies.

Also, I notice (excuse my ignorance) a little red "clip" stopping the pull cord from releasing and I can't start it again.

My grandfather can't physically get down to the lake and doesn't use the internet, but he knows his motors. So I thought maybe I could pass some repair advice on to him.

Any tips? Thanx

Re: 1988 Envinrude 9.9

That little red clip is a safety lock to prevent one from starting the engine in gear or when too much throttle is applied.

Your explanation indicates that the carburetor has finally fouled somewhat to a point whereas it needs to be removed, cleaned and rebuilt, using a new complete carburetor kit.

(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Re: 1988 Envinrude 9.9

Like Joe says, rebuild the carb. You can pick up an OEM kit off of eBay for a bit less than you'd pay at the dealer. It's not difficult but you need to take off the (rope) starter assembly to remove the carb. (I have an '88 Johnson, other than the color they're the same).

If your grandfather isn't experienced in working on small outboard motors I'd recommend he get the OEM repair manual, the correct one covers the 9.9-30HP models and includes the procedure on removing, rebuilding, and replacing the carb.

The '88s have a plastic bottom on the carb, so he needs to be careful if he is going to try to soak it in cleaner.