[Tstates]

I have a 1973 9.5hp evinrude outboard that won't start. I got it started yesterday by cleaning out the carb. Took it down to the river today and it started right up, headed out then just died. Now it won't start again. I took the carb apart and made sure it was getting fuel and seems to be getting plenty. Not sure why it would just die after a few minutes of use and now won't even begin to turn over. Any suggestions?

[Joe Reeves]

What is the compression reading of both cylinders?

With the spark plugs removed, will the spark jump a 1/4" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame.... a real SNAP!?

Note: You need to have a 1/4" gap set up. Simply using the spark plugs is a waste of time.

[tashasdaddy]

here's more from Joe
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167352

[Tstates]

When I cleaned out the carb I didn't screw the "lean/rich" pin all the way in and it looks like it was getting to much gas. It now starts, but I can't push the choke in without it dying.

[Joe Reeves]

That sounds like you've overlooked something within the carburetor.

(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.

http://stores.ebay.com/Evinrude-John...tc?refid=store

[Tstates]

The compression reading on the top cylinder is 60 and the bottom is 70. What should they be?