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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Outboard engine tune-up

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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/01/2003 : 09:29:46

Last year, I had my '83 Evinrude 8 long shaft in for a tune-up. Five hundred dollars later it still doesn't run right:

1. Idle is too high
2. Engine quits about 100 yards from the dock
3. Smokes more than most 2 cycles
4. Runs fine at 3/4 throttle, but dies at full throttle

I think it's running too rich. Can I make an adjustment myself, or should I take it back to the marina. I would anticipate a long wait.

Cheers,
Bruce Baker
"Yee Ha"

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2003 : 10:13:45

First thing I'd do is make sure you have fresh pre-mix using high-quality oil mixed to the proper ratio. I've seen lots of 2 stroke problems introduced by bad fuel/oil mix. Just for kicks, you might get a new set of spark plugs and put those in.

Idle, high speed mix, low speed mix are often controlled by one screw each... or sometimes there is only one mixture control. Your owners manual may show where they are.

When you are adjusting anything, always COUNT how many turns you are moving them so you can return them to their original settings if needed.

Warm the engine up. Run it at low speed. Turn the jet towards rich (usually unscrewing it) until the engine "blubbers" or stumbles.. (if it's blubbering already skip this step)... then turn towards lean until the engine just cleans out and runs smoothly. You may have to fiddle to get it exactly like you want.

Repeat for high speed jet if available. This time you'll be running the engine at full throttle. Remember you just want it to smooth out. If you hear rattling or pinging is way too lean. If you're picky, you'll 'read' the plugs after a high speed run to confirm yourr tuning.

When you're done, set the idle. Low speed mix does effect idle, so you may have to fine tune the two in conjunction with one another.

If you're not up to doing this, I think I'd look for a different place to take the outboard... You might also consider a new motor.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2003 : 12:42:50

I would try a differnt shop or marina.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2003 : 18:13:35

Bruce - I'd take it back to the marina and insist that they fix it while you watch! $500 deserves at least that!
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.