1976/35hp Bottom cyl floods out???

I have a 1975 35hp that will crank up and run on top cylinder. If you disconect gas line, about the time the top cylinder runs out of gas the bottom cylinder will clear out enough to start running. If you connect gas back up bottom cylinder floods out and quits and top cylinder starts back running.Has good compression, fire, and have pulled reeds and it looks ok. I'm stumped. Can anyone help?????

Re: 1976/35hp Bottom cyl floods out???

Check the puddle valve system. This is a drain for unburned gas and oil. it is the piece that carries the shift linkage pull off that piece and you will see two screens. if these screens are clogged, the puddle valve will not drain off excess oil. You did not say if the problem occurs at low speeds. The puddle valve system is primarily to make the engine run better at low speed.
Also, check your carb setting. on these engines, the bottom cylinder runs richer than the top. The needle usually is somewhere around 3/4 to 1 turn out. Do not go leaner than 3/4 out because the top cylinder will run too lean and melt the piston. If the needle is 1/12 to 2 turns out, you are too rich.
could be a combination of both.

Re: 1976/35hp Bottom cyl floods out???

Not familiar with that particular motor, but on newer ones, the fuel pump can and does leak into the crankcase, flooding out a cylinder.

Get a fuel pump rebuild kit and put it in.
Its maintenance that should be performed periodically anyway.

Re: 1976/35hp Bottom cyl floods out???

Roscoe; I owe you one.I pulled fuel pomp and there was hole. Got new one ordered..thanks...Steve

Re: 1976/35hp Bottom cyl floods out???

OK, I'll take a pound of boiled goobers.