1957 Evinrude Lark 35 HP Won't Start! Help!!

[jackhart99]

Ok, I'll fess up, the last time I ran it was two years ago. I thought I'd put fuel stabilizer in the tank but it didn't smell right so I swapped it out for a fresh tank, cleaning out the fuel bowl at the same time. Now I've got excellent spark from both plugs gapped at .30 (brand new correct Champions) but not even a "pop" when I turn it over (electric start). I primed the heck out of it at the tank and have watched it fill the bowl fully expecting it to flood with the number of times I push the plunger. Still nothing. I pulled the plugs and they are as dry as when I installed them. Any ideas? Could the carb be varnished already? What's my next step? I can't afford to take it in to a shop right now so I need to figure it out myself. It ran like an absolute champ last time out. That'll teach me to neglect it. Help!

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35 HP Won't Start! Help!!

The carb is varnished already, 2 years is a long time for gas to be in the carb. You need to pull the carb and do a full service if you want to get it running, may as well pick up a kit too while you are at it. It need to be dissassembled and soaked and blown out with compressed air. If it's still got the sintered filter in the glass bowl it may be varnished up too, that could also be the issue.

 

[jackhart99]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35 HP Won't Start! Help!!

Thank you for the response. I've started the disassembly process and will take the carb apart for a good cleaning along with the scintered filter. I'll also pick up a rebuild kit along the way. I'll keep you posted on the results. Heard some hissing from the pressurized tank so I'll be sure to get a gasket kit for that as well. Thanks Captain!

 

[jackhart99]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35 HP Won't Start! Help!!

Just to let other readers know the eventual outcome as I sent a private message to bktheking. I disassembled the carb per his suggestion and found the needle and valve seat stuck together. The bowl was bone dry, nothing but dust and a wayward spider (just kidding about the spider). Gave everything a good cleaning and put her back together. Added a new gasket kit to the pressurized gas can for good measure. When I pushed the priming plunger on the tank I could literally hear the fuel filling the carb bowl. Hit the start button and it popped immediately. Fiddled with the slow adjustment on the carb 2-3 times and it was idling like a trolling motor. All is good! One other thing I'd like to pass on. The metal cowlings are loud and don't insulate well if at all. They didn't start making fiberglass ones until 1961 or so I've been told. While the cowling was off I insulated it with FatMat (Dynamat competitor). It's been a favorite with hobby car enthusiasts and cars with the gi-normous speakers they put inside housings (we've all heard them driving by at night "booming" away). It has made a tremendous difference. The mat is self adhesive, superthin, with a topcoat rated at 300 degrees so heat isn't a factor, leaving plenty of room for air circulation. Passengers in the rear seats would put their fingers in their ears when I had it at WOT so I'm anxious for them to experience the difference. This is one QUIET '57 35HP Evinrude Lark!

 

[Stonedcrow]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Lark 35 HP Won't Start! Help!!

Just to let other readers know the eventual outcome as I sent a private message to bktheking. I disassembled the carb per his suggestion and found the needle and valve seat stuck together. The bowl was bone dry, nothing but dust and a wayward spider (just kidding about the spider). Gave everything a good cleaning and put her back together. Added a new gasket kit to the pressurized gas can for good measure. When I pushed the priming plunger on the tank I could literally hear the fuel filling the carb bowl. Hit the start button and it popped immediately. Fiddled with the slow adjustment on the carb 2-3 times and it was idling like a trolling motor. All is good! One other thing I'd like to pass on. The metal cowlings are loud and don't insulate well if at all. They didn't start making fiberglass ones until 1961 or so I've been told. While the cowling was off I insulated it with FatMat (Dynamat competitor). It's been a favorite with hobby car enthusiasts and cars with the gi-normous speakers they put inside housings (we've all heard them driving by at night "booming" away). It has made a tremendous difference. The mat is self adhesive, superthin, with a topcoat rated at 300 degrees so heat isn't a factor, leaving plenty of room for air circulation. Passengers in the rear seats would put their fingers in their ears when I had it at WOT so I'm anxious for them to experience the difference. This is one QUIET '57 35HP Evinrude Lark!

I have the same motor and am considering trying the FatMat or some other similar sound dampener. How has it worked for you in the long run? Any problems?