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Need help with my first outboard

J

jeff_goodberry

New member
"Ok, I'm 14 and just bough

"Ok, I'm 14 and just bought me first outboard and I need help. I had a 4hp given to me and I think it's a 1970 model from what I've researched. The tag on the lower unit reads 4006EC71329.
First off I don't have the money to be able to start buying new parts on the off chance that I get lucky so any tips or tricks would be awesome.
The problem I have is the motor runs for about 10-20 seconds and then just shuts off. I can smell fuel but not like it's flooding. I mixed the fuel at 50:1 and it seems to smoke quite a bit from the prop. There are two knobs on the carb and both read Lean/rich so I'm not sure I have them dialed in right. I cranked the top knob clockwise fully and then turned it 1/4 -1/2 turn and set the bottom knob dead center. (remembered this from my grampa's "old rude")I have replaced both spark plugs and the fuel line and bulb and cleaned the filters as good as I could. Also, do I keep the vent on the fuel tank loosened or tightened down. I've been keeping it loosened thinking it needs to keep from creating a vacuum but not sure if that's right either.
Please help. I just wanna go fishing."
 
"Dial the two knobs CLOCK-wise

"Dial the two knobs CLOCK-wise being careful not to bottom them too hard when they stop. then back them out, or Counter Clock Open- 1 turn. (starting point) you may have to play with them a little at a time to get the engine to run. Mainly the top one because that is the one that controls the Idle fuel circuit. When you get the engine to at least idle - then: you can procedure.

Top knob is the slow adjustment. Adjust it first for smooth idle after the engine warms up. After you have done that - then fine tune the lower Knob to adjust a smooth operation at High speed.

What helps is to remember that if the engine couphs hard and dies - it is usually too lean. Counter-clockwise the top knob or Idle will richen the mixture and solve this situation."
 
Thank you Jack. I just went ou

Thank you Jack. I just went out to try to get it running again and noticed that I had mis-posted. I did turn them clock wise not counter clockwise. my mistake.
The bottom knob only turns half a turn each way so I guess the high speed adjustment should be pretty easy to dial in. When it is running it seems to run really well but I'm still confused why it suddenly just stops and then takes about 8-10 pulls to go again.
 
"If it is just stopping - that

"If it is just stopping - that could be "no fuel". i.e. Float level being to low. What type of fuel system. Gravity, pressure tank, or fuel pump combo?"
 
umm...I think it's just a

umm...I think it's just a pressure tank. I don't know if there's a fuel pump on this motor and I don't have any kind of manual for it. the bulb seems to stay firm and squeezing it while it's running doesn't seem to change anything.
and it is new gas.
 
"Ok,, that sounds like 1 line

"Ok,, that sounds like 1 line system with pressure bulb. Could you trace the fuel line going to the engine. Does it stop off at a little unit on the side of the engine somewhere? that would be the fuel pump. Need to know that for troubleshooting."
 
"ok, yes it runs to a unit on

"ok, yes it runs to a unit on the side where the fuel filter is mounted. little diamond shaped thing then runs out from that to the carb."
 
"That is the fuel pump. You n

"That is the fuel pump. You need to see if it is working. Remove the "out" line from the fuel pump, pull the engine through with the spark plugs removed/Tank fuel line hooked up and preasurized. you want to see fuel being positively pumped out of the "out" line of that pump. This would be your next step .. your engine needs positve fuel pressure to the carb.

I cheat - I use a power drill and turn the Flywheel nut in the direction of rotation. Be careful - you are working with Gasoline and any sprark can be trouble.. Be aware and cautious of fuel - always. "
 
"ok, will check and be back in

"ok, will check and be back in a few minutes. This is awesome Jack, thank you.
thumbs_up.gif
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"Here is a handy site from Mr.

"Here is a handy site from Mr. Duckworks. Half way down the page are steps to go through and check your carb. Take your time and you will find it is fairly simple. You need to go through it and make sure it is clean. see if this helps. Dont worry about a carb kit - seldom do they need it. Just take it slow and handle it gently. Put it back the same way it came apart. I use Engine Starting fluid to clean it -- works well. Make sure all the passages are clear. You can check that with an airline and airchuck.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index10.htm"
 
"It's neat at your age tha

"It's neat at your age that you are doing this.. Proud of ya!

Just remember the basics. Your engine needs Ignition, Compression, and it needs fuel. All are necessary. If you hav'em - it will run. How good it runs depends on the quality of those three items. that is where the carb adjustment knobs come in - to fine tune the fuel to the operating rpm range of the engine. You get this going and you will be hooked. Probably are already. "
 
I got hooked by my Grampa. My

I got hooked by my Grampa. My best memories are fishing with him in his old boat. He never got to show me all the workings but I guess he knew it was in my blood. Will let you know how this works out. Thanks again.
 
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