4 horse evinrude won't start

relick

Recruit
Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
2
I have a 70's 4 horse Evinrude that always ran great. I tried starting it for the first time in about a year and a half and no go. I put new plugs and confirmed spark. I have gas at the carb, pours out the throat, but plugs are dry. I tore the carb apart and everything looks fine. Jets are set at 1 1/4 on low and 1 on high. Bowl is filling but nothing to the plugs. Is there a reed valve on this motor and could that be the problem. Supposed to leave fishing Friday. Might be late. Help Please!!!!!
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 4 horse evinrude won't start

The carburetor may look okay but it requires cleaning.

(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top 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. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, 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.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: 4 horse evinrude won't start

Howdy.

Welcome to iboats. :)

Go to the Engine FAQs, relick. Do "Outboard won't start" and let us know what you find.

Sounds to me like, as Joe said, your carb needs cleaning and may also have a stuck float or needle. On those little engines clean looking carbs are often not clean at all where it really matters.

Do the troubleshooting first. That way you can avoid fixing what aint broke. :)
 

relick

Recruit
Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Messages
2
Re: 4 horse evinrude won't start

Thanks for the help guys. I am going fishing!!! I tore the carb down and soaked it. I then blew out all the ports and jets. I cleaned the gas tank out good and started again with new mixed gas. It fired right away like it always did. I think it was the low speed jet plugged. I adjusted the jets as Joe suggested and it runs like a top. I appreciate the help. This is a great site. You'll probably hear from me again. I have a few old motors that I want to rebuild.
 
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