1985 50HP 4-cylinder power loss

[jimmbo]

You're are correct. I was thinking like some people did when A&W brought out the 1/3 pounder, they thought is was a smaller than the 1/4 pounder

Maybe it is the Heat, it got up to 29 today and the next 2 days are gonna be 32. Too Bloody Hot, Glad the AC works well.

 

[BWR1953]

You're are correct. I was thinking like some people did when A&W brought out the 1/3 pounder, they thought is was a smaller than the 1/4 pounder

Maybe it is the Heat, it got up to 29 today and the next 2 days are gonna be 32. Too Bloody Hot, Glad the AC works well.

I hear ya about the heat. Down here in central Florida, we reach 95*F (35* C) every day in the summer. Sometimes more. Heat index today is supposed to reach 110*F (43*C).

 

[jimmbo]

I'm about 1800 miles north of you and 1300 miles west, or about 2300 miles NW as the crow flies
Last this morning the Humidity is so bad, water is running down the inside walls if you are stupid enough, like my brother, to leave a window open at night

 

[BWR1953]

Guys, I grow weary and very stressed.

My doctor told me last week that I need to go fishing more and work on boats less. Ain't happening. It's one thing after another.

We were testing the outboard this morning when the starter suddenly wouldn't disengage and it took us 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to get the battery cable off and stop the problem. When we disconnected battery power the Bendix still wouldn't retract.

We tried tapping the power wire to the battery a few times and still no joy. The starter would spin at normal speed, but the Bendix simply wouldn't retract. I got the starter from DBElectric (via Amazon) in March 2020 and it had a 1 year warranty.

I got the starter removed, took it to a local auto parts place, had it tested and it's broken. I'm researching a replacement and will likely get a new solenoid too.

I'm suspecting that the solenoid is bad and probably caused the starter to fail too. I'll try testing the solenoid in the next day or so. Ugh.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

That is sad, but we all know where that kind of thing would normally happen, so it happening in your driveway I'd say is Murphy's way of giving you one helluva bday present!

Sounds like you have a very smart Dr btw.

Also, I feel your pain. I'm in the same, we'll, boat. Trying to get the "new" engine dialed in and running right for weeks now as schools of salmon wave to me in amusement and mock at my landlockedness...

 

[jimmbo]

We were testing the outboard this morning when the starter suddenly wouldn't disengage and it took us 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to get the battery cable off and stop the problem. When we disconnected battery power the Bendix still wouldn't retract.

We tried tapping the power wire to the battery a few times and still no joy. The starter would spin at normal speed, but the Bendix simply wouldn't retract. I got the starter from DBElectric (via Amazon) in March 2020 and it had a 1 year warranty.

I got the starter removed, took it to a local auto parts place, had it tested and it's broken. I'm researching a replacement and will likely get a new solenoid too.

I'm suspecting that the solenoid is bad and probably caused the starter to fail too. I'll try testing the solenoid in the next day or so. Ugh.

1 1/2 to 2 minutes of nonstop cranking will likely have done the Starter Motor in. I did on my dad's Evinrude, when the Key Switch failed and kept feeding power to the Solenoid. As I was unhooking the main Power cable, smoke started coming out of the starter. New Starter and Key Switch solved the problem, in our case

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

I have my motor cables run through a battery switch close to the controls. A very quick operation to shut off all power if necessary. Food for thought.

 

[BWR1953]

I have my motor cables run through a battery switch close to the controls. A very quick operation to shut off all power if necessary. Food for thought.

I don't have room for a switch by the controls, but I could probably put one back by the battery itself. And it would be a very short run. Thanks for the tip!

 

[BWR1953]

We got the solenoid and ignition switch tested this morning; both are good.

So now I'm researching a replacement starter. They've gotten even more expensive over the last 2 years.

I thought about pulling the carbs for rebuild this morning but didn't... yet.

I already have the gasket kits but know that some folks say to replace the needle, seat and float as a default, but I don't have those on hand.

Both carbs were fully rebuilt 2 years ago and have less than 10 hours total on them since that time, more likely less than 5 hours, so I'd like some feedback on whether or not I should order the rest of the parts.

Thanks!

 

[racerone]

Quality " factory " parts would last 20 years or more.-----Run fuel out of carburetors when done boating.-----Empty carburetors do not gum up!

 

[BWR1953]

Quality " factory " parts would last 20 years or more.-----Run fuel out of carburetors when done boating.-----Empty carburetors do not gum up!

Factory parts may indeed last 20 years... but I won't be alive then!

What does "done boating" mean? After every trip out? I can't see me tying up a launch ramp or dock while waiting for the carbs to empty, although many times I could do so without issue. I suppose I could hook the engine up to muffs when we get home though. Or maybe the next morning.

The starter that failed after 2 years was $58 when purchased, with a 1 year warranty and the same exact starter is now $78. That's a 30% + increase. But then again, there are less expensive starters out there. And OEM starters are now $350+ and still only have a 1 year warranty. Would it actually last longer nowadays? I dunno.

Cost is a genuine factor. The OEM gasket kit I bought was $135, but I can get an aftermarket kit online for $35. That $100 difference could be put to use elsewhere. And since my wife didn't win the Mega Millions last night, I guess we'll continue to have to pinch pennies for awhile.

So, should I wait until I have the carbs apart to see if new seat/needle/float stuff is actually needed? Or, just bite the bullet and spend the money ahead of time?

 

[roscoe]

You bought a cheap knockoff starter and rolled the dice.
It failed, as expected.
There are good quality aftermarket starters out there, about half the price of oem.

 

[BWR1953]

You bought a cheap knockoff starter and rolled the dice.
It failed, as expected.
There are good quality aftermarket starters out there, about half the price of oem.

I bought what I could afford.

And 2 years ago it wasn't clear if I'd still be around for long due to my health issues. Still that way even now.

Do you have a link for a good aftermarket starter? I've seen bunches of starters in all price ranges, but figuring out a trustworthy one is the tough part. They all seem to like the 1 year warranty.

 

[BWR1953]

We got the carbs off yesterday.


I tore down the upper carb before the heat drove us back into the house. The gaskets were all perfect; no rips, tears, deformation; nothing. The float was just as clean and damage free.










However, the needle and seat were gunked up pretty good.


There's a bit of crud on the inside of the needle tube, barely visible in the pic.


But, it's more visible here.


So, I dunked the needle in some carb cleaner and let it sit overnight. I also used a q-tip to load the tube with carb cleaner.

And a few days ago we sprayed PB Blaster on the starter Bendix shaft and let it sit. Yesterday morning, I very gently tapped the Bendix and it immediately retracted to normal position. I'll retest the starter once the carbs are reinstalled.

 

[BWR1953]

This morning we went back out to the garage. I checked the needle and it was still gunked up, but I got the tube clean with another q-tip and more carb cleaner.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the needle to clean up. I tried using more carb cleaner, a toothbrush, a brass brush and even acetone. I then tried my Dremel tool with a buffing wheel. No joy with anything.

Any suggestions on how to get the needle clean? Or do I have to buy new?






After that little bit of work, a big thunderstorm started to roll in, so we went and ran errands. By the time we got back, it was too hot to work in the garage.
We'll try again tomorrow morning.

 

[jimmbo]

Lower temp and lower humidity than what it is up here in Alberta.

 

[BWR1953]

Lower temp and lower humidity than what it is up here in Alberta.

It's over 106* up there? Wowsers!

 

[jimmbo]

I saw the 79.4F and the 54%

 

[BWR1953]

I saw the 79.4F and the 54%

Oh yeah, it's nice inside the house for sure! Miserable outside and even worse in the garage.

I used to have that gauge labeled. My wife gets them mixed up too. I guess I need to put new ones on again.

 

[Dave1027]

This morning we went back out to the garage. I checked the needle and it was still gunked up, but I got the tube clean with another q-tip and more carb cleaner.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get the needle to clean up. I tried using more carb cleaner, a toothbrush, a brass brush and even acetone. I then tried my Dremel tool with a buffing wheel. No joy with anything.

Any suggestions on how to get the needle clean? Or do I have to buy new?

View attachment 367110

I wouldn't take a chance after doing all that work. Buy new needles for sure. They look like junk.