Dies in gear

Jack6819

Recruit
Joined
Oct 18, 2024
Messages
4
I.
Have 79 evinrude 115 hp
It'll
start and idle(not easily) but when you put it in gear it dies
Anyideas
 

saltchuckmatt

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
2,644
Just about everything that can go wrong with an engine can do that.

Let's start with the compression numbers and go from there.
 

cyclops222

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 21, 2024
Messages
1,305
How many cylinders are really firing correctly ? Pull each sparkplug & see if they are a mess. Check if they are the correct part numbers. are the H V cables in good condition & fully inserted at both ends ?
Was this always a great running engine ? Or a cheap used buy ?
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,083
Last time carbs were rebuilt ? Conditioner used in the fuel ? In gear underway idle speed ?
 

Jack6819

Recruit
Joined
Oct 18, 2024
Messages
4
Not sure what H-V cables are rebuilt carbs just rebuild couldn't find specs on drop on float and the adjustment screws on each side
Are those adjustment screws?
Didnt do anything when when tied to adjust them they don't come to a point on the e d like needle a d seat
 

saltchuckmatt

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
2,644
Get a spark jump tester and see if you have a nice big blue arc that jumps 7/16 or so. Jump testers are about $15 bucks at any auto shop.

If that's good start looking at your fuel system.

When you say "it dies" are you talking on the water or on muffs?
 

Jack6819

Recruit
Joined
Oct 18, 2024
Messages
4
Got a spark tester. Good spark
Dies when on water I can get it in gear with mufs on it I've just bought the boat about month ago
Pretty good deal on it I think
I'm questioning the low idle/high idle adjustment
Timing also
 

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,083
Not sure what H-V cables are rebuilt carbs just rebuild couldn't find specs on drop on float and the adjustment screws on each side
Are those adjustment screws?
Didnt do anything when when tied to adjust them they don't come to a point on the e d like needle a d seat
Your rebuild kit should have all the specs for carb setup...once up and running all carb adjustments are made in the water while underway ! On muffs or in a tub means nothing.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,824
I doubt you will find any mixture adjustment screws on those carburetors--There are no mixture adjusting screws !!------Checked the flywheel key?----All wires from CDI box going to the correct coil ?------Checked the reed valves ?
 
Last edited:

saltchuckmatt

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
2,644
Got a spark tester. Good spark
Dies when on water I can get it in gear with mufs on it I've just bought the boat about month ago
Pretty good deal on it I think
I'm questioning the low idle/high idle adjustment
Timing also
Spark tester or spark JUMP tester?

 

cyclops222

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 21, 2024
Messages
1,305
Sounds like those should be pointy needle points. Pointy tips always allow much wider and easier idle adjustment. Those rounded needles could be for HIGH speed adjustment only. No rules about which are adjustable.
Have a bad feeling about the carbs float setting. You need to find out if the carburetors are the correct ones for the engine FIRST. Start at the beginning of a unknown engine If carbs are correct then. Can you find any engine numbers on it ? Believe nothing anyone tells you.
Someone might post where the numbers are located on the engine.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,824
???----There are no mixture adjustment screws on these 1979 carburetors !
 
Top