Only runs when choked

[ED21]

4 1/2 hp evinrude, 1980, intergral tank.<br />I had the carb off to clean out 2 years of gummed up fuel in July & it ran fine. It hasn't been run since, so I started it up just to run it again. <br />It will only run- idle or throttle open with the choke closed.<br />Fuel filter looks ok & I know I need to take carb off again, but what is the most likely problem.<br />I'm surprised the fuel would gum up that quickly because it was treated.

 

[alcan]

Re: Only runs when choked

Hi Ed <br />Are you sure the tank vent was open?

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Only runs when choked

It might not be gum clogging it. Examine the fuel lines, float, fuel pump, etc for signs of degrading. I've also had engines where just the 'right' gasoline cleaned all sorts of gunk out of the lines and clogged up the carburetor, where it had run fine before on other brand gas.<br /><br />Tell us what you find in there.<br /><br />EDIT: Guess there's no fuel pump - forget that...

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Only runs when choked

Ed.... The small horsepower carburetors can, and usually will clog, foul, etc in a rather short span of time due to the small ID of the jet(s).<br /><br />Remove the fuel line at the carb and open the fuel valve at the tank momentarily. If fuel flows freely, the carburetor is no doubt fouled.

 

[rabidfish]

Re: Only runs when choked

Also, if the lines are original, replace them(all). Nobody wants to row because of 25 year old fuel hoses...

 

[ED21]

Re: Only runs when choked

Tank vent was open.<br />No fuel pump, just a vaccume assist. Not really anythink to go wrong.<br />Good point about gunk coming loose. I guess I'm paying for letting it set 2 years.<br />I just couldn't figure out what would make it act like that. Maybe restricted flow.<br />One more thing to add to the 4 dayweekend list.<br />Eat turkey, watch football, watch parades, sleep late. Sounds like I may be able to fit it in.<br />Thanks, will check.

 

[MarkCz]

Re: Only runs when choked

I had the same problem on a 9.9 hp. I tracked the problem down to a broken fule line running to the carb. Fixed and ran fine after that.

 

[ED21]

Re: Only runs when choked

Thanks, I will check again. <br />Some of the fuel lines were replaced last summer. <br />Not much room for my fingers w/ the integral tank, so I might have pinched or not connected something right.<br />I'll start by checking fuel flow first.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Only runs when choked

Nothing real serious. I had the same problem with my 4 HP. I cleaned it twice, but gunk must have dislodged and fouled her up again. Clean everything out (lines, float, carb) etc., and I'll bet she purrs.<br />Stalker