evinrude 20hp (year?)

Hey, I have a 20 hp evinrude and I'm having troubles getting it to idle. First I brought it to the lake, started for 30 seconds, puttered and died(wouldn't start again).

Got new plugs today and ran it in a barrel. Today it ran a lot better. Seemed to run for like 1min+ but it puttered out and died eventually. Every time I've had the choke out, because every time I push the choke back in it dies immediately(even moving it a hair it will die). Right away when it starts it runs at a low idle, then runs high for awhile, then putters and dies. When I took the plugs out they were wet so I figured it to be getting flooded.

So with the engine being flooded, and having the choke out is the only way it will run what in the world could be the problem? I'm new to 2 cycle motors so any information would be appreciated.

Also note, while being flooded if I wait a bit it will start up again. Though when I let the cylinders air out for awhile it started up a lot easier and will run for a little bit longer.

Re: evinrude 20hp (year?)

Your story is full of contradictions. If it dies without the choke, it is not flooded. If fact it is just the opposite. Requiring a choke to keep it running means that it is not getting enough fuel. I suggest checking the high speed fixed jet in the carburetor for being plugged up. If it has one that is.

We could be a lot more help if we knew what we are dealing with. A model number sure would help.

Re: evinrude 20hp (year?)

I can get the model # in a few days. I kid you not though, every thing I said is not a contradiction it is actually what is happening which is why I am baffled and came to ask for help.

I had it running a few days ago and once I have it in gear, and running for 5mins, I was able to push the choke in and it started to run a bit better. Ended up having to turn it off while in the lake, wouldn't start up again, so I had to take out the plugs and let the cylinders dry out a bit before it started again. Running it for awhile didn't help at all with the problem I stated earlier.

Re: evinrude 20hp (year?)

Very believable. The carb needs a bath. Remember, every time it starves for fuel it's starving for oil too. Priced a piston lately? Bet a cab kit is cheaper.