Rich fuel

[jimmyz1]

I have a 25hp '74 johnson. After running, if I take the cover off I have a small collection of fuel in the rear of the motor under the plugs. I also notice a lot of oil residue in the water when I shut it down and even just lower it back in the water. (I'm duck hunting, so I'm out in the water when setting up/wrapping up etc.) Is this coming from the exhaust and is fuel that is not being burned? Tonite it also had a little surge in it when running at WOT. It ran great, but would do 2-3 second burst of like hitting another gear. It does seem just a bit slower at WOT than it had. This is still a new motor to me so trying to feel it out. I can take it back where I bought it after the season if you guys think it's something seriously needing fixing.

If I'm mixing the oil a little to rich, would that cause it to surge?

Thanks!

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Rich fuel

What are you mixing at? Should be 50 to 1. Sounds like you could be dropping a cylinder, the extra surge is the cylinder kicking back in, but is most likely related to the leaking fuel issue. The oil residue in the water is normal for a 2 stroke, but the gas leak is troubling. Can you hear or see where the leak is? It will cause you problems. Take care of that leak, but perform a spark and compression test as well and let us know what you find.

 

[jimmyz1]

Re: Rich fuel

I'm mixing 50:1. I can't see where it leaks from. I did change the fuel line that goes from the fuel pump to the bowl of carb., it was bad. Everything looks ok there now. Dropping a cylinder? I don't think so. This motor is running way to good, and when it surges it goes faster not slower. Is it possible for fuel to come out the throat of the carb when running? The fuel that is collected at the rear is clean and looks like it would if you poured a little back there. It's not black or anything, has the nice blueish oil/fuel look.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[grid]

Re: Rich fuel

The joy of a 2-stroke and reeds is that there will always be a little "slobbering" out the throast of the carb(s). However, this is usually sucked back in, so the excess you have in the cowl isn't good. Considering you have points and condensors, I'd suggest getting the problem resolved before points arc and your '74 powerhead gives the Space Station a run for its money. Sometimes the puddling hose at the bottom of the intake cracks and leaks; if the gasket behind the bolt covering the main jet is deteriorated, that'd be another place to look. Clean up around the magneto plate area and see if the fuel is coming from the top crank seal. The '74 25 was reliable, but unfortunately, a lot like the Harleys of the same time period--leaky!

 

[jimmyz1]

Re: Rich fuel

Thanks grid. I will take a look at the puddling hose. Some of the hoses do look old and could be original. I also think I will take it back to where I bought it and tell them about the problem. It's has been reliable so far. Starts easy and runs good. Just definitly concerned about the fuel in cowel.