Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

[Guvner]

I changed gas lines with my pontoon which does start and run as well as changing the spark plugs. (Figured the gas line had quite a bit of known fresh fuel..) Pulled the screen out of the fuel pump and it was clear. Not really sure which way to go. Starts for a few seconds and then dies. Fuel related but maybe not the quality of the fuel. Fuel pump looks easy enough to rebuild but never did one before. Is it easy? (rebuilt lots of motors in the past including a 9 hp outboard once.) <br /><br />It will run at times for as long as 10 to 15 seconds but even that isn't very often. Just fires enough to spin past the starter. <br /><br />Any good old boy tests I can do to point me in a specific direction?<br /><br />Thanks... Gary

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Hi Gary<br /><br />One test you can do is to mix up some pre-mix in a spray bottle and shoot some in the carb. throats and see if that helps. If so, the carbs are clogged and need cleaning. Is your choke working properly?

 

[JB]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Hi, Gary.<br /><br />Do you think you could fill us in on what your problem is, with what engine and what you have done to diagnose it??<br /><br />I get the feeling that your post continues a conversation started on another thread. The problem with doing that is that we haven't much of a clue as to what you are talking about.<br /><br />Check this out. http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=009035 <br /><br />Good luck, and let us know.

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

The reason I restarted this was because the other problem wasn't even slightly related. It was a starter not working problem. It was wiring related and is solved. Electric choke and starter now work as they're supposed to. This has to do with the engine starting and staying running.<br /><br />Shouldn't this be by itself as to not get it confused with the original post?<br /><br />As far as the carbs being cleaned. Is that a remove and do or can it be done with something out there like gumout for automobile engines. What's the product recommended if it's out there?<br /><br />On the choke is that just a matter of making sure the travel of the choke cable is moving the choke fully when lifted?<br /><br />Thanks... Gary

 

[JB]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

I agree that a new problem deserves a new topic, Guv.<br /><br />We still need to know what engine you are talking about and a clear description of the problem.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Whoops... 1978 Evinrude 115HP. Has been rebuilt about 10 years ago and is 40 over I think if memory serves. <br /><br />Motor will fire, starting for a few seconds almost every time. Some have thought it was gummed up in the carbs. I've rebuilt an outboard before and lots of auto engines so I'm not hopeless or repairs. What are the tests available to do on an outboards fuel pump? Screen was clear. Gas pumps to it when you take it off. Some must be getting through or it wouldn't start. What other tests should I do. Are rebuild kits for carbs and fuel pumps something I should just do as a matter of maintenance?<br /><br />Thanks... Gary

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Deleted. Getting too confusing...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Check the FAQ section for Engine won't start.

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Not sure what "Deleted. Getting too confused.." means but... <br /><br />I did check out the FAQ's. Did check for spark and it seemed good on the two I checked. Will check the rest. Spark plugs were wet with fuel. I changed them thinking I didn't remember the last time. No improvement. Got my Clymers book out. Wish there was a better breakdown on rebuilding the carburator and fuel pumps. According to the manual you can't spray any type of carb cleaner in there since it harms some kind of seal. If it ever stops raining I will go after that next.<br /><br />Thanks... Gary

 

[ob]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Gary ,When you initially attempt to start the engine I assume you are pumping up the fuel line primer bulb until it is firm.If so, this indicates that the carb bowls are full and the needle valves in the carb seat and cause the bulb to get firm not allowing any further passage of fuel.If the bulb never gets firm and you can continue to pump fuel through,then one or more of the carburetor needle valves are leaking by which will cause a flooded condition.<br /><br /> With that said,even if the fuel pump is faulty,the engine will start and probably run for a brief period because there is fuel available at initial startup.If you can get the engine started and can keep it running longer by repeatedly pumping the primer bulb ,then you likely have a faulty fuel pump.If not,the carburetors are probably fouled with gummy deposits that restrict fuel flow and will need to be dismantled individually and cleared of any restrictive deposits.Pickup tubes in the fuel bowl of the carburetors is one common problem with restrictions ,particularly on an engine that has set out of use for a spell with aging fuel mix. <br /><br />Carburetor cleaning and servicing is a pretty straight forward procedure,but its best to have an engine specific manual to guide you through the steps if this is your first two stroke carb job.

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Captain,<br /><br />Appreciate that. I think the bulb is a bit soft even though I can feel it full of fuel. I will check it more tomorrow. Do you have a good source for a book on just my engine? I have a 1978 Evinrude 115 HP. <br /><br />Thanks... Appreciate the advice... Gary

 

[Grant S]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Make sure the fuel line fitting is not sucking air.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Gary,<br /><br />Did you try shooting some pre-mix into the carbs to see what happens? Do this and see if it will keep running as you shoot it in there. The plugs you checked for spark, were they the ones that were wet and did they have spark? By all means, check all the plugs for a good healthy spark. Check all the plug conditions to see if they are also wet with fuel. If you have spark and a good supply of fuel on all cylinders, it should at least run. Maybe not well, but it should run. Like OB said, pump the primer bulb and see if that helps. It may also be a good idea to change out the primer bulb at this point. (What confuses me is that in your other post, you said it Just quit and all of a sudden I couldn't turn it over or even press the key in for the electric choke.) So that is leading me to believe that it WAS running good at one point before this problem developed. Just trying to sort it out. I know you have this problem now, but did it have this problem before it quit running? It's all related and can give us important info as to what the problem might be.. Please let us know if any of the tests we gave you to do have any effect on your problem now...<br /><br /> Factory Manual This is the best you can get..

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Rick,<br /><br />As you know the rain has given me a great chance to read up on my problem as well as ask some questions. Have not sprayed the pre mix in yet. Later today I suspect if the thunderstorms give it up. All plugs were soaked before I ran or tested spark. Tested an entirely new gas line with primer that was on my other boat with known good gas in it. No difference. <br /><br />As far as the original problem, I left that alone since it wasn't related in that the motor turned over about 3 times, started for a second and then wouldn't turn over, click or anything. It still starts as for as how long as it did the first time. <br /><br />When it died I did think it was related but that just turned out to be a fuse holder. It now turns over without a problem. Going outside here in a second to play with the choke cable to make sure it's engaging the choke all the way.<br /><br />Thanks for the reply. I didn't want people solving the turning over problem when it was no longer an issue so I started a different thread.<br /><br />Thanks... Gary

 

[Guvner]

Re: Got starter to turn over... Now won't stay running..

Well.. hate to say this but... It's the choke cable... Wasn't engaging all the way. Not sure why but I suspect operator error when I was bolting the throttle back on the side of the boat and saw a screw near the front of the throttle. Not knowing what it was I tightened it a bit. Not even sure that was the reason it didn't have the travel anymore. Clymers doesn't mention it in my book. I didn't find it at least. Heck I didn't find the throttle. Anyway when I lift the choke up and then go to the motor and finish the travel by hand it starts right up. Heated up and ran fine. <br /><br />Is the front screw an adjustment for the choke? I loosened and tightened it and felt no change in the handles position but the choke sure wasn't engaging all the way. Haven't touched anything else.<br /><br />Thanks to those who tried to help. I learned a lot and pasted a lot of it into my archives. Have an air conditioning problem email me. <br /><br />Gary