71' Evinrude Fisherman 6hp - it started twice. Please help...

[markymarc1]

I'm a first time boat owner in the Phoenix area, and want to thank you for any suggestions to help me get this motor running.

Yesterday I spent a half hour pulling the starter and got it running one time. When it started, the motor began revving higher and higher, then it started to revv lower until it quit. It ran for maybe 15 seconds.

This morning, I revisited it, and it started on the first pull. I was nearly in tears. Then it revved up, then revved down, and it quit. It ran for 15 seconds or so. It wouldn't start again after that, despite twenty more attempts on the starter.

Here's what I can tell you:

---The motor has new spark plugs on it. The spark plug wires look a bit worn, as they have fine cracks on them.
---I took out a screw below the choke and pumped the primer bulb on the fuel line to see if there was any obstructions, and the fuel flowed clean. I reinserted the screw. There is flow to that point, if it helps.
---I tried spraying starter fluid with the choke pushed in, then pulled the choke knob out and tried starting. No luck.

The previous owner did mumble something about it idling fine, but didn't run consistently in gear.

I'd like to try and get this running (and learn about the motor along the way), and am willing to do whatever the next step would be.

Any suggestions? What would you check or do first?

Thanks alot!

Marc

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 71' Evinrude Fisherman 6hp - it started twice. Please help...

Marc, Welcome to iboats!

Step ONE: Loose the starter fluid, it will kill your motor. There's no lubrication in the spray, and you're washing what little oil there is off the cylinder walls. Instead, use pre-mixed fuel in a spray bottle.

It sounds like a fuel delivery problem.
Check needle valves :
(Carburetor Adjustments - Two Adjustable N/Vs)
(J. Reeves)

Initial settings are: Bottom high speed = seat gently, then open 1 turn out. Top slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Setting the high and low needle valves properly:

NOTE: For engines that DO NOT have a shift selection, obviously there is no NEUTRAL position. Simply lower the rpms to the lowest setting to obtain the low speed needle valve adjustment.

(High Speed) Start engine (it will run pretty rough), shift into forward gear, take up to full throttle. In segments of 1/8 turn, waiting for the engine to respond between turns, start turning in the bottom high speed needle valve. You'll reach a point whereas the engine will either start to die out or spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the needle valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest setting.

(Low Speed) Slow the engine down to where it just stays running. Shift into neutral. Again in segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the top needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running. Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back. Again, at that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

When you have finished the above adjustments, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.

Do a carb cleaning, followed with compressed air. Install carb rebuild kit. Make needle adjustments above.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 71' Evinrude Fisherman 6hp - it started twice. Please help...

have you checked for spark. those older motor are known for cracked coils, if the wire are cracked the coils are also. read this :http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158071 and this: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

 

[steelespike]

Re: 71' Evinrude Fisherman 6hp - it started twice. Please help...

Sounds to me like a fuel delivery problem.(not enough fuel)Typically a 2 stroke motor will rev and then stall as it runs out of fuel.
I'm betting the boat has sat around a lot.You should go through the fuel system from tank to carb with special attention tho cleaning.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 71' Evinrude Fisherman 6hp - it started twice. Please help...

Welcome to iboats!
The motor needs 3 things to run: Compression, spark, and fuel. It also needs cooling water to continue to run without melting.
That said, it does sound like you have some spark and compression, so something is clogged up in the carb. That happens when the motor has sat around for too long. You will have to remove the carb and clean it. Here's what I'd do (I just rebuilt a 1970 6 HP last week, by the way....):
Check the compression with a screw in compression gauge.
Check the spark with a spark tester.
If both of those are OK, then take off the carb., diassemble it and rebuild it with a rebuild kit. Sounds alot worse than it is....Soak the carb in cleaner and blow all of the passages out with compressed air. Twice to be sure.
If you are not familiar with outboard motors, then a factory manual is money well spent.
My best hint is: chuck up a 3/4" socket in a drill to spin the motor (clockwise). It will save your arm...
Good luck!