1969 55 hp Evinrude Idle issues

[Dustin_S]

Hi Everyone.

I am a first time poster but long time reader. Other post have helped me solve many issues on this boat and the previous one I owned.

Well any ways my problem is this. I have a 1969 Evinrude 55 hp outboard. Thing runs Great at WOT but at idle it runs good for a min or 2 then loads up and quits and we have a hard time getting it to run from there. I am gathering it is flooding out. So I thought it should just need a carb adjustment to lean it out just a little.


This engine has 3 carbs, one per cylinder. We leaned them out a bit but the engine ran worse. With some adjustments either way we came to the conclusion that the crabs are where they need to be. the carbs where cleaned 2 times in the past 3 years at a boat shop due to it sitting for 3 with no running ( previous owner). The engine does not seem hot in anyway. I am kind of stumped and do not have that much carburetor experience and would love to learn more about them.


Thanks In advance. and hope you kind people can provide some incite!

Thanks
Dustin

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969 55 hp Evinrude Idle issues

you need to be running Champion, QL77JC4 spark plugs, gapped at .030, if they foul at .030, open the to .035, or as far as .040. this cuts down on the idle fouling of the plugs. this motor originally called for the flat tip plugs, which are known for fouling at idle. also if you have not, you need to change all fuel lines, tank to carb, with alcohol resistant fuel lines. (ethanol in fuel)

 

[Dustin_S]

Re: 1969 55 hp Evinrude Idle issues

Tashasdaddy,

Thanks for replying! I agree on what you said about the spark plug. I will certainly give that a try and pick up some of those champion spark plugs ( not really sure what i have now) and make sure the gap is set right,

as far as the fuel lines. I have no clue if those were replaced or not by the prevous owner. anyway of telling? or should I just replace them anyways?

Thanks for the quick reply!
Dustin

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1969 55 hp Evinrude Idle issues

not a hard job, be sure to use clamps of fuel line zip ties.