outboard question

[Adam Howard]

I have a 5 hp 1980 suzuki outboard that I use on my C-22. Unfornutely, problems with this are restricting my sailing. At the conclusion of last year, I winterized the engine. I didn't have a single problem with the engine last year. This year I am having difficulty at high speed. The engine seems to be running smoothly when idling and at mid throttle both in gear and out of gear. However, when I am in gear and moving I increase the amount of throttle to full I can hear the engine seem to slow down. When I pull the choke slightly the engine seems to smooth out and run at an appropriate RPM. I've changed the gas and the spark plugs. Any suggestions???Thanks for the help!adam howard

 

[Matt]

Your carb needs an adjustment

I wouldn't try this one myself so I can't tell you how to do it. Any marina should be able to adjust it for an hour's worth of labor.

 

[Randy]

clean the carb

Really simple...the high speed jet needs to be cleaned out...had the same problem...a little water in the gas and the motor wouldnt run more than an idle without the chock on...

 

[Barry Broyles]

Are you using fresh gas

Adam: I had the same problem a few years ago, in my case it was funky gas from the previous season. Today's gas has additives that tend to gunk up the carbeurator when the gas gets more than a month old. If that is your problem, put some "Fresh Start" or other gasoline stabilizer and then use some carbeurator cleaner to clean out the carbeurator. Then check the spark plugs and clean or replace them if needed (old funky gas can sometimes foul the plugs). That solved my problem. Now I add stablizer to my gas when I fill the tank, and at the start of the season and have not had any more problems.Barry Broyles C22 # 1909 "Brighteyes"

 

[Adam Howard]

will a spray or additive work?

How about using a carb cleaner (spray or fuel additive)? Has anyone had any luck with these products? .....or are you saying that I need to overhaul!?!

 

[Aldo]

The problem is in the Float Bowl

Adam: I doubt that the spray will fix the problem. The clogged jet, a small brass piece with a tiny hole drilled through the middle of it, is probably clogged with gum or varnish. These are usually in the Float Bowl. The carb should be taken apart and the jets soaked then blown out and checked to be sure that they are clean through. You may or may not be up to this. From now on, drain the carb at the end of the season. By that I mean, there is a little screw in the bottom of the float bowl, that when you remove it, every drop of gas will drain from the carb. This way everything will be fine at the beginning of next season. I learned this from years of rebuilding carburators on motorcycles, and each motorcycle can have 4 carbs. Aldo

 

[R.W.Landau]

give a carb cleaner a chance

Adam,I believe Aldo in right in his assumption.When a motor is running ok a low and medium speeds and not reaching it's normal high rpm, it is usually starving for gas. Most motors have a filter screen somewhere near the gas connection or just before the full bowl. I would try a fuel additive and see if it helps if you are not going to tackle the repair yourself.If you are going to do it, check the filter screen and jets as Aldo said.First find a marine store that stocks parts for your motor. Most of these guys don't mind selling parts and sometime advise comes with those parts.good luck and get back to sailingr.w.landau