Carb float settings

[Mickeylee1952]

Need some help on setting the float levels on my 1984 Evinrude 50 hp. Per my Seloc manual I have the Type IV carbs (carb numbers top, 394808; bottom, 394809; numbers taken from the carbs). Manual has a float setting range of 1 1/8 to 1 5/8 inches. I have been running them at 1 1/4 inches using the "old" gas. With ethanol in the mix now, should the float level be adjusted? If so, to what level?<br /><br />My first run on the 10% ethanol/gas mix was very disappointing. Motor idled OK but had no power above 2000 rpm. It just bogged down. Any other ideas on running the ethanol mix?<br /><br />Thanks for the help,

 

[marysboats]

Re: Carb float settings

The range you are looking at is the float drop. To set the float level, hold the carb upside down, and set it parallel with the carb body. The float drop is not critical. 87 octane whould be the proper fuel, but ethanol would not make the engine bog down to 2000 RPM. You have a problem elsewhere. Have you taken a compression test. I certainly would on that twin fifty.

 

[Mickeylee1952]

Re: Carb float settings

The engine starts bogging down around 2000 rpm. I understand that it may just be a coincidence but the boat ran fine the last trip out ( 5 days earlier) before filling up with the ethanol mix. I found a bit of water in the fuel when I started the troubleshooting process. That's when I pulled the carbs to clean and check them as well as the rest of the fuel system. I haven't done a comp. check yet; get to that later today. <br /><br />Since the introduction of the 10% ethanol mix in the Dallas, TX area, there has been numerous reports of problems including rough running, water in the fuel, etc. I'm waiting on delivery of a fuel water filter/separator before trying to run the boat again.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Carb float settings

good move, the stations let there tanks run dry, in order for them to be filled with ethanol, probably pick up the water in the tanks. they say they don't have water and are tested, but they lie.

 

[Mickeylee1952]

Re: Carb float settings

Ran the compression test, 145 on both cylinders. Plugs looked to be in decent shape, no signs of improper fuel mix/adjustments. Clened them up and reset the gap to .035. Disassembled the fuel filter, also looked good. In the process of draining and cleaning the 2nd tank so that I start with a "clean" slate when I get the filter installed.