Hi all, I have been having a fuel issue with my 1984 30hp Evinrude outboard, electric start with control box. What was originally happening was that the engine would fire fine with the fuel line disconnected, and run on what fuel was in the carb bowl. As soon as I hooked the fuel line to the engine, it seems to overfuel/flood, and shut down. I would then have to disconnect the line and crank it until it was 'unflooded'. Then it would start up fine, but once again, hook up the line and its done in a matter of seconds. I am assuming the solenoid is burned up and stuck in the open position, (it doesnt click when I push the key in, so I believe it is dead). I bypassed the solenoid by exluding the 'triple nipple' connector in the fuel line and just connecting the 2 main lines around the head. Obviously this causes for a very big problem on a cold start. It takes me several attempts to get the engine to turn over and run, and I usually have to shoot some starter fluid in the carb throat a couple times until the fuel finally makes its way through the system. After I do get it to fire it will crank first try the rest of the day. My question is if I replace the solenoid and hook everything up the way its supposed to be will it be back to normal, or am I looking at some other problem? Even though once i get it running it is fine, I still dont feel comfortable taking the boat out after the Tarpon....WHICH IM MISSING OUT ON!!!!!!! Also, is starter fluid harmful to an outboard engine, and if so, is there an alternative I could be using? My buddy told me about some silicone spray thats designed as a motorhead corrosion protectant/lubricant that he used in place of starter fluid. Is this a good alternative until <br />I fix the problem legitemately???? <br /><br />Thanks a ton,<br />Troy
