1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

[lakedawgs]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

I ran the motor again after work today. Ran it 2 or 3 times, stayed going for 30 or so seconds and died each time. I removed the plugs and they were moist, not soaked, but definately moist.
I then removed the carb from the motor and took the 5 screws holding it together out. As I carefully separated the 2 halves I caught a glimpse of the clip that attaches the needle to the float arm go flying over my workbench into oblivian. After about 10 minutes of searching I gave up. I am assuming this is a pretty important piece. As mentioned in a previous post I know the needle is sticking as I had to tap the carb to get the fuel flowing from the drain plug in the bottom of the carb once the bowl emptied. How the clip came loose from the needle and how it went on it airborne journey are a mystery, but this could explain why the needle was sticking I assume.
Is there a workaround on bringing an old float back to life? My kit did not come with one and I cannot find one on the web. Mine looks good, but I know that does not mean much.
I will call around to some local boat stores to see if I can get a float or a needle valve clip but I am not optimistic. I will order a new carb kit to get the clip if I must, but it does not come with a new float.
Not a great day in the little motor saga,
Thanks,
Matt Anderson

 

[CFronzek]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

I don't think they sell those floats any more.
The fix that is mentioned is to obtain a plastic float for another make, I think it was Mercury, and do a small modification (ream out a hole or something). The big trick is to know the model of the motor that uses the plastic float.
The exact info was posted here several times and may be in the archives, if this site still has archives.
Sorry i can't be any more exact.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Aint gonna hurt to try it without the clip. The float holds it up/in, so it can't go anywhere. At least see if it will stay running

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Got a compression gauge from one of my employees this morning, I will test compression tonight.
Going to take a different route. I am going to reinstall the original needle and valve, which are in perfect shape and check the gaskets to make sure nothing is interfering with the float, check the compression put it all back together. Hopefully I will be looking good in a day or two. I will post my results.
Matt

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

The spring clip's construction is not critical. You can make one yourself out of some light gauge copper wire, garbage bag tie wire or whatever you have on hand. Since the high speed mix is adjustable, you don't have to be too concerned about how heavy the spring clip is.

What you can barely see in that picture is the loop at the end which goes around the base of the needle. It's at a right angle to the part of the clip that goes around the float arm.

The occasional drip you're getting from the carb is the problem. It should flow much faster than that.- up to dribble speed. Try opening the fuel tap with the carb connected and without the needle, float or bowl in place and see what your flow is like then. Perhaps there's some crud up on top of the needle's seat.

Sorry, that overrich business could be simply because you're running with the initial carb settings, which are excessively rich. You should be dialing them in right after you get the engine started. High speed first or it will flood out.

The float is available in modern form from any J/E dealer. It is not included in the aftermarket carb kit. I have had success using the old floats as long as regular gas is used. Cork floats can be dried out and resealed with model airplane dope or (plumbing type) pvc cement. If the float floats in gasoline it's likely fine.

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

I thought about making a new needle spring, I agree it would be easy but I am going a different route. I am going to reinstall the original valve and needle that does not use a spring. They are very clean and sharp I think they will work fine. Quick compression test, reinstall carb and see what happens.
I will likely post my results tonight.
Thanks,
Matt

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

When you switch needles, re-adjust your float height even with the casting's rim when held upside down:

I think the rubber tipped needles are far less troublesome than the all metal ones. But they need that clip or they stick.

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Do you remember where you bought the carb kit that had the rubber tipped needle? The NAPA kit is an all steel needle. I am hoping to not need it, but it will be good to know if I do need it.
Thanks
Matt Anderson

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Paul, you have a Private Message.....

 

[lakedawgs]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Cleaned the old needle and valve and the motor fired up great. My HS and LS needles ended up being set at 1/2 turn for LS and 3/4 turn for HS, to be tweeked on the water. The motor ran smooth for a good 10 minutes.
Thanks much to those who offered suggestions to help fix the problem.
This has been a good day!
Thanks,
Matt Anderson

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

Now that's great news !! I love happy endings...d

Thanks for posting back with your results.

 

[jeje-fr]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

hi all

I use this old post because I need help!
I have the same 3hp motor (but it's a johnson-but the same) and I rebuilt the carb. Everything is ok exepted the motor seems to have fuel intake problem (often, when it's hot, the motor stop just after start... but no problem once the motor run at have runned a few moment)
Perhaps I have a problem with the needle/float. On the original way, there is no spring. I have bought a new carb kit with a new float and a tiny spring. I want to put this spring but I don't understand how install it!!!!
Have you got a scheme to installe this spring??
Thank you!
Jerome-france

 

[jeje-fr]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

no body?
jerome

 

[franssell]

Re: 1952-54 Evinrude 3hp Lightwin Carb Problems

I too am having this problem with my old evinrude light twin. I think it is a mid-60s model. I've tried rebuilding the carb already. It runs at a slow flooded idle regardless of where the needle knob setting is. I can also see lots of unburned fuel in the exhaust.

Frans