Please someone help me!!

Hi! I bought a boat which has 48HP evirude 1995 model E48ESL. It was running good but all of a sudden it lost power. The motor still runs but in low RPM. I have changed the spark plugs; checked both cylinders and they have fire; checked the fuel pump and it's good; and checked the compression and it has 110 PSI in each cylinder. I was cleaning the carburetor and I realized that both spark plugs were wet. I am suspecting that the power pack is not working properly because before, it was working fine. Then, when I was ridding the boat in a high speed there was a cut in the RPM all of a sudden. I could not come back to the same speed and the engine is cutting in low speed. Moreover, when I accelerate the engine sounds like brubrubru... and no power at all. Please, I'am trynig to explain the best way as I can, and if someone knows what can be the problem, help me!!!

Re: Please someone help me!!

Start with the basics of trouble shooting as follows.

(Compression & Spark Test)
(J. Reeves)

1st - Regardless of what problem one might encounter, always start with the basic troubleshooting procedure. Check the compression which should be in the range of 100+ psi (somewhat less on the smaller hp engines) and even on all cylinders.

2nd - With the spark plugs removed, rig up some type of spark tester whereas you can set a gap to be jumped. On magneto ignition systems.... and also the Battery Capacitance Ignition system OMC engines from 1968 to 1972, set the gap to 1/4". On the solid state OMC ignition systems from 1973 to the present, set the gap to 7/16". The spark should jump the gap with a strong blue lightning like flame..... a real strong blue snap!

If there was no spark, on engines from 1973 up, disconnect the RED main electrical plug at the engine. Remove the s/plugs. crank the engine via the starter solenoid (jumper bat term to small 3/8" term nut, not the ground nut) and observe spark. If spark is now okay as stated above, the usual cause is a shorted ignition switch.

If the above checks out as it should, and the engine dies out when throttle is applied or won't idle, it is usually due to one or both of two things. The carburetors are fouled, in which case the cure would be to remove, clean, and rebuild them..... or the timer base under the flywheel is sticking which would result in a retarded spark. If the engine will not fire/start at all even though you have the proper spark and compression, it's usually due to fouled carburetors.

To check the timer base for sticking (Engine Not Running), spin the prop to align the shifter dog with forward gear and while doing so, put the engine into forward gear. Now, while watching the timer base, slowly apply throttle clear up to full throttle. The timer base should move smoothly all the way up against the black rubber cap that is atached to the end of the full advance spark setting screw. If the timer base sticks, find out why and correct that problem.

Usually any sticking of the timer base is caused by one of the four retaining clamps being slightly too tight. Putting a very thin washer under the clamp cures that problem. Some boaters use a thin screwdriver to bend the clamp upwards slightly but I prefer the thin washer. The sticking can also be caused by having a faulty stator start to melt down, resulting in a sticky substance dripping down on the timer base nylon retaining ring.

Also, remove the drain screw from the carburetor(s) to see if you may have had water in your fuel.

Let us know what you find.

Re: Please someone help me!!

Sounds like the powerpack went into SLOW mode due to a possible overheat situation. SLOW will only allow a RPM of about 2500 to protect the motor. Both plugs being wet would be expected in this condition since you are trying to force gas into the cylinders and it will not burn off. In order for the powerpack to reset, the engine will need to be turned off and cooled down. Then try it again and see if she goes at first. Make sure you check the engine temp....