Total noob with an ole 'rude

[ebkolove]

OK, here goes. Bought a boat...killer deal for a decent hull with a nice interior. The lower unit on this motor, 1975-6 135 was in a hundred pieces in a box. I put it back together with no problems, got the top hooked to the bottom, slapped in a new battery,filled her up with fresh gas, and took her out (put in a new floor too, but that was its own CF) She stared right up and we had a blast. Took her out two more times with no issues. Then, The last time we took her out, it took forever to get her started, but we had a good time. I drained the lower unit just to see what was what, and the lube came out thick and milky, so I replaced all the seals and put her back together again. Now, on the muffs, she'll start for a second, and peter out. every time I prime her, she'll start, but won't idle. Whats the deal? The only thing that I could think is going on is she doesn't like her current tank of gas, or the carbs are all of a sudden jacked up? In my experience with two stroke motors, sometimes they just don't like the gas. Please help

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

Have you checked the spark at each plug? I think that would be a good start/extension. I reads like you know a lot more about engines than I do, but that's my offer of help at this point.

Good hunting success !

 

[itsaboattime]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

Could you post the model number please?

Start with the basics
Compression, all the cylinders ideally should be within 10% of each other.
Spark, tested with a tester. Should jump a 7/16 gap and be blue. Are the plugs new?
fuel, is it getting fuel when it's hard to start? Is it getting too much fuel and flooding out?? When it's hard to start pull the plugs and look at them, are they wet are they overly wet?

Run these tests and let us know what you get.

 

[ebkolove]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

thanks all. The plugs are not new, and I dont have a way to accurately test compression. I did the old thumb test and each cyl felt good. The thing that I am most curious about, is that the first couple times out, it ran perfectly. My wife and I ran WOT all over the lake (ran out of gas at the launch) without a hitch and several other times she ran fine. Fast forward one week, and we're having trouble.

 

[royal0014]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

Possible you picked up trash from the tank when you ran it out. Just a thought. But start with the basics, comp. spark, fuel.

 

[ebkolove]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

you know...sometimes the simple things are the most elusive. This boat had been sitting in a garge for two years before I got to it. I didn't drain the tank when I had it out...to eager to finish I guess. I ran that tank out first, ran out a second tank. I had to have stirred something up. I'll check my filter and clean the carb. I probly shudda done that in the first place. This being a 35 year old motor.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

Could you post the model number please?

Start with the basics
Compression, all the cylinders ideally should be within 10% of each other.
Spark, tested with a tester. Should jump a 7/16 gap and be blue. Are the plugs new?
fuel, is it getting fuel when it's hard to start? Is it getting too much fuel and flooding out?? When it's hard to start pull the plugs and look at them, are they wet are they overly wet?

Run these tests and let us know what you get.

You have not bothered to answer the ?? that "itsaboattime" asked. We don't even know what motor you are describing.

thanks all. The plugs are not new, and I dont have a way to accurately test compression. I did the old thumb test and each cyl felt good. The thing that I am most curious about, is that the first couple times out, it ran perfectly. My wife and I ran WOT all over the lake (ran out of gas at the launch) without a hitch and several other times she ran fine. Fast forward one week, and we're having trouble.

The "old thumb test" might give you some level of comfort, but in reality is of minimal use in diagnostics, short of some catastrophic damage....hole in piston etc.

 

[ebkolove]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

So very sorry sir. The model number on the engine has been obscured by time and weather. It is an Evinrude 135, year 1975 or '76, four cylinder with hydro assist shifting. That is about all I know for now. From what I can tell, there were about four model numbers for that motor in those years and the differences between them had mostly to do with the shifting/gear ratios/drive. As in a 3 tooth clutch dog, or a 4...things of that nature.
I am very aware that the thumb test is not a reliable method in any way, shape, or form; but, as the only way I have to test at this time, it will have to do until I can afford to purchase a compression guage.
Please note that I already said that I did not have a way to accurately test compression, so I did the only other thing I could. Also note that I said that I bought this boat cheap...implying that I am not made of money. The reason I purchased this specific craft was for the very reason I am asking for help. I know I can repair and restore just about anything, and I have a good feel for engines, I just may need a little guidance from those who know more than me. Unfortunately for me, your curt remarks have left a sour taste in my mouth and I will seek the guidance I need elsewhere.

 

[boobie]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

Sorry you feel that way 'cause I don't think you'll get any better "guidance" any where else. There are a lot of people who have been in the marine business on this forum for many years and have a lot of experience. I've only been in it for 45 yrs and I still have an old saying " some people don't want to LISTEN" Good Luck.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

So very sorry sir. The model number on the engine has been obscured by time and weather. It is an Evinrude 135, year 1975 or '76, four cylinder with hydro assist shifting. That is about all I know for now. From what I can tell, there were about four model numbers for that motor in those years and the differences between them had mostly to do with the shifting/gear ratios/drive. As in a 3 tooth clutch dog, or a 4...things of that nature.
I am very aware that the thumb test is not a reliable method in any way, shape, or form; but, as the only way I have to test at this time, it will have to do until I can afford to purchase a compression guage.
Please note that I already said that I did not have a way to accurately test compression, so I did the only other thing I could. Also note that I said that I bought this boat cheap...implying that I am not made of money. The reason I purchased this specific craft was for the very reason I am asking for help. I know I can repair and restore just about anything, and I have a good feel for engines, I just may need a little guidance from those who know more than me. Unfortunately for me, your curt remarks have left a sour taste in my mouth and I will seek the guidance I need elsewhere.

no one is trying to leave a sour taste or say curt remarks. compression/spark/fuel is the foundation of troubleshooting and is the best starting point. take it from me, someone who knew absolutly nothing about outboards when i joined here. i took advice that was given to me and to date havent paid for a single repair on any of the 4 motors ive owned in 3 years. i too am on a budget. a compression tester can be had from most part stores for $20 or so. its handy to have for future troubles as well.

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

I got mine from harbor freight. was $8, now they sell for $12
pep-boys sells one for $22, that has every type of fitting you could think of in there.
They also sell a leak-down tester. I getting that thing pretty soon.

Anyway, I have probably used it 500+ times.

On my jet skis, neighbors boats & jet skis, my ATC, friends quad, Friends crappy honda, it goes on and on.

 

[ebkolove]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

thanks all, I got a tad emotional on that one. I'll work out a compression tester, I checked out harbor freight website yesterday and found a good one. Good thing there's a store a block from my house.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Total noob with an ole 'rude

thanks all, I got a tad emotional on that one. I'll work out a compression tester, I checked out harbor freight website yesterday and found a good one. Good thing there's a store a block from my house.

Autozone will lend you one for free, if there is one around...