Actually I have a service manual and in the service manual it has a note that says "Never clean a carburetor by submerging or soaking it in a hot tank or carburetor cleaner. Do not expose plastic or rubber parts to any carburetor cleaner", also it says "If necessary, remove the lead shot to inspect passage for restrictions or leaks, Gently pry up on lead shot with a sharp edged tool. Install a new lead shot, Flatten shot with a flat end punch and plastic mallet. Check for leakage." I'm just stating exactly what the manual says. I removed the jets with the $33.00 screwdriver that the manual calls for and the ones I could get out. I removed the caps and replaced those after cleaning, sealed with red locktite which is supposed to be impervious to gas. I, again, am a novice, and know nothing about boat motors, but started researching on youtube on how to work on it. I found a marine mechanic who has several videos on how to work on a 1989 Evinrude 40. Mines a 1990 48 and everything seems virtually the same. I know virtually nothing about this motor from the previous owner. He said "runs great" and I took his word for it, my mistake. Get it home and has not run since, So, I'm trying to go from scratch so I know what has been done. I found sand in the gearcase when I changed the waterpump and one of the fins was worn almost off. Found water in the gearcase when I went to change the oil in the foot, so I have rebuilt the gearcase. I'm glad that you have had great experiences with your motor, but mine is a puzzle I'm trying to solve right now and only get to work on it when I'm off of work and nothing else that's a priority. As far as the vacuum lines, the end of the old hose did fit over the male end, but when I cut that piece off, the hole was as small as the lines I got from the dealer, To be honest, I don't know if it's the correct size, but it's the same as what is on the motor. It doesn't seem to me it should be that hard to get them on there. Like I said, you have to use significant force to try to get it on there and I'm afraid I'm going to break the plastic pieces on the solenoid primer, which I just replaced with a new one. The opening, like I said, was about the size of a large paperclip and it seems like it should be larger to me, but like I said, I don't know. Seems like to me it would be easy to pinch that opening closed. I do appreciate all the responses and I'm not one to ask for help and not try to do what was suggested, I'm trying, just not enough money and time to get to everything. The weather hasn't been cooperating either, but I'm not trying to make excuses. Again, that you to all who gave advice! It is appreciated! I will get to the advice given!
