Re: 1989 XP115hp Evinrude sat for 2 yrs Starts when throttled up WILL NOT IDLE HELP
Just bought this 1989 XP115hp Evinrude.It starts when you throttle it up,but will not stay running at idle or long enough to get it in gear.I was hoping,after it warmed up and burned off the old gas,we could run not NOT.Can I clean up these carbs with out much trouble?Will I be able to use the boat with a minor cleaning?Or should I send it to the shop?:
First...buy a OEM manual or at least a Seloc manual.
You will not be able to burn off the old gas.
I recently had the same issues with my newly purchased boat.
I would first remove all the old gas from the tank.
I did this by (disconnect the batt first) using a cheap transfer pump from autozone, $8. I then got smart and remove the fuel line from the motor and disconnected the fitting and used the primer bulb to transfer the last remaining gas. Use some milk jugs. I used the milk jugs so I could see if the fuel had seperated and how bad....and it was bad.
Clean the fuel filter if applicable or replace with a new one.
You can also remove the carb drain plug to see if any gas comes out, if applicable.
I bought a 150gal tank from TSC for $80 (I dont like the muffs as it doesn't indicate true load on the motor). Started it up with fresh gas (used synthetic blend oil mix). It ran/idled decent but not great. So I put fresh plugs in it and sprayed carb cleaner as it ran (not letting it die). Use the high speed idle to keep the rpms up around 1000-1200rpm. I actually had to hover closer to 1500rpm.
Inspect the old plugs as they will indicate what is going on with the engine.
Once I had sprayed it a few times I then used a can of Engine Tune Up following the directions. It will smoke something fierce and you will need to install yet another set of plugs when done but it worked for me. Check to ensure you have good flow out of the pee hole while the engine is running.
IF not shutdown immediately and inspect the impeller!
I still had hickups at idle but ran MUCH better. I then found my #4 coil had a crack in the insulation. New coils on and headed to the lake this weekend to test out.
I also did a compression check. You should do one to get a base line reading. It is easy enough to do. I even used the pull rope method and a compression checker can be rented from autozone.
I would also recommend changing the lower unit lube while your at it.
Do not trust the person you just bought it off of to be honest and truly divulge what he has and has not done to maintain the OB.
I hope this helps but I am not an OB guru. I just know some stuff from working on autos. The manual and those on this site will be your best friend until you gain confidence.
happy boating and good luck
