Outboard Motor Minor Overhaul

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LCBrandt
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Posts: 1282
Outboard Motor Minor Overhaul

I have a 2 1/2 horse Yamaha 4-cycle that is about four years old. While I like the motor normally, one downside is that the ethanol fuel problem makes me take it in to the dealer annually for a $100 to $150 disassembly and tune-up at the beginning of each season. Apparently the ethanol in the fuel makes the gasoline less stable, and the intake/carburation gets gummed up. The result, hard to start, difficult to keep idling.

I am considering doing the disassembly and clean-up by myself this spring, and I am asking for advice on how to do this, what to look for, how to clean the components I remove, etc.

It can't be rocket science, and as an old hot-rodder (a half century ago) I ought to be able to rebuild a 2 1/2 horse engine. Any suggestions???

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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Laura
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Posts: 150

Hi Larry . I did a quick Google. Don't know if this link is helpful.

[url]http://www.marineenginedigest.com/[/url](link is external)

Laura Olsen
Past Commodore
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD

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LCBrandt
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Posts: 1282

Thanks, Laura. That's a good link that I wasn't aware of. There's a lot there to dig through.

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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Laura
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Joined: 12/23/07
Posts: 150

That was my first impression too.

I also saw a product in the top 10 list on a site: Startron Enzyme Fuel Stabilizer.

It says it solves the problems with the Ethanol.

Laura

Laura Olsen
Past Commodore
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD

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mutualfun
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Joined: 6/25/07
Posts: 454

Larry:

I to was a old hot-rodder and like anything else I had manuals for it. I still contend that having a manual is the best source. Do a Google search on your make make and model. I have manuals on board for every major item for rebuilding.

Randy

Randy Sherwood
Mutualfun 1990 # 1057
T/R W/K M35a
Home. Charlotte, Mi.
Boat. St Augustine,Fl.

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plaineolde
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Posts: 753

I have an early 80's Evinrude 2hp 2-stroke motor for doggie trips in the inflatable. I've found the key to be a) run the engine dry in the fall and b) fuel stabilizer. I use fuel stabilizer in the boat tank (diesel obviously) and gas stabilizer in all the gas for my yard tools (chain saw, leaf mulcher, blowers, etc.); haven't had a carb issue since. I forgot to run the outboard dry one winter and wound up disassembling the carb; lot's o' gum. I disassembled everything that would come off and let it soak for a few days in carb cleaner in a sealed container. Then, used guitar strings to clean any gunk left in the various passages. Being a guitarist, I have lots of the ends cut of while restringing. Sizes go from about 10 guage to about 45. Then used carb cleaner in a spray can forcing it through the passages with lots of gunk coming out.

I may have fun again this year as the engine stopped suddenly last fall (loooong row back) with a probable ignition problem, so wasn't able to run it dry.

I had no manuals but if you've done mechanical work before, it shouldn't be a problem. Digital cameras are your friend.

Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay

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jackfstewart
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Joined: 6/12/08
Posts: 41

Larry,
No rocket science with these small engines. I have a 3 1/2 two cycle Tohatsu, but there can't be that much difference in carbs. First just remove the bottom bowl, usually 4 screws hold it. Be careful and you can re-use the gasket. Catch the float and pin, and clean these items. Get some carb cleaner and spray every thing. Screw your fuel jets in all the way and count the # and fraction turns. Remove the jet screws, spray the jets and replace the screws to original setting.
Most important, when ever you shut down the engine for the day (not just the season) close the fuel supply and run the carb dry. Do this and you should be good for a couple of years, even with ethanol in the gas.

Jack F Stewart
1993 C3 #1233 "Windancer"
Port Clinton, OH

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plaineolde
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Posts: 753

" Remove the jet screws, spray the jets and replace the screws to original setting. "

I might add to screw them all the way in until they GENTLY seat. Some carbs have the seat as part of the carb body or pressed in brass seat. If you screw the adjustment screw in too hard, it'll ruin the seat. Just screw it in until it bottoms gently and you'll be fine.

Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay

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