Any outboard mechanics?

[Kc_Kracker]

no timing adjustments to make. but they are synced, you want to tag them and install them back in the same place and dont swap any linkage around. just pull them off, strip them and clean them, except any linkage and butterflies there is no need to remove that stuff. in the bottom you will have a plug that holds the jet in, that plug has a hole in it the size of a hair, thats usually whats plugged.

[deltaops]

All of what KC has said so far. 

Mine is now doing the same thing and I am about ready to pull the carbs off and clean them. pretty easy and saves on the wallet.

[Kc_Kracker]

lord, do we need to have a hunt wa carb party? 

[quadrafire]

That would be for the dyslexic bunch that started out for the crab gathering

[Kc_Kracker]

i refuse to be a part of helping ya'll with yer CRABS

[Gobble Doc]

 

[JackOfAllTrades]

If the fuel mix adjustment does nothing... Idle circuit venturi or the jet is likely gummed up. Could still be a vaccume leak but it would probably idle high and stumble as you increased throttle. Butterfly adjustment?  I don't know why people are intimidated by carburetors. Note your steps to taking it apart. Right down to how many turns a screw takes to get out. Use your smart phone to take photos as you disassemble. Take it apart on a clean bench with a bath towel spread out. Don't lose any parts!
 
-Steve

[deltaops]

If the fuel mix adjustment does nothing... Idle circuit venturi or the jet is likely gummed up. Could still be a vaccume leak but it would probably idle high and stumble as you increased throttle. Butterfly adjustment?  I don't know why people are intimidated by carburetors. Note your steps to taking it apart. Right down to how many turns a screw takes to get out. Use your smart phone to take photos as you disassemble. Take it apart on a clean bench with a bath towel spread out. Don't lose any parts!
 
-Steve

 

I am not intimidated as I have taken quite a few a part myself. From cars to small engines, they are pretty easy to do. Just remember how you took them out and a part and reverse the order when putting them back together.

If you are unsure, take lots of pictures during the process. 

[pilebuck]

Yen take it in now and it will take forever maybe that's why u make sure way ahead of time its wrkin like going hunting opening day and sighting ur scope  And for easy to work on depends on the person I worked in the marine industry all my life and there r things I will do and things I won't. Outboards r a pain in the a__ period esp older ones where parts r hard to get.youtube helps 

[Stein]

My motor has been to the shop 3 times (previous owner).  I did a bunch of research and found that Krud Kutter is probably one of the better aluminum solvents to use and Lowes sells it.  I'm going to tear it apart all the way and put all the metal parts into the ultrasonic cleaner tomorrow night for several cycles, reassemble and see how that goes.  I'll post back with the results.

[L-ofalab]

Did your ultrasonic cleaner work? It has been a week I'm waiting to hear how well yours worked, the Harbor Freight ones were weak.

[Stein]

OK, looks like that did the trick.  I started with hot water and maybe 1-2 cups of Krud Kutter in 2 L total of solution.  The ultrasonic was just short of deep enough to submerge the carb.  I ran it for five 4 minute cycles per side and then noticed that the middle of the pan seemed to have better action.  So, I ran it a few more cycles in the middle.  Long story short, I ran it many, many cycles.

There were a few pieces of junk that floated out for sure.  All parts look like new.  Assemble and it fired right up.  At the lake, it ran great except the mixture screw has a tendency to back out, so the o-ring is probably worn and I need to replace that.

The only problem I had was when I tried to get it to idle crazy slow for sockeye. 

I also ran several other things through the cleaner.  I think it isn't the most powerful, but for the price it seems to work well.

[Kc_Kracker]

if it womnt idle crazy slow then its either that AFM o-ring leaking air, or you missed a plugged port in the carb, or adjustment, those are the only 2 things that really affect low idle, oh and good plugs

[bloodhound]

keep in mind if you do the carbs on your big motor youll have to buy a vacuum mate to set them up. its easy to do but the tool isnt too cheap.

for all those out there that recommended changing the fuel filter.......

 FUEL FILTERS DON'T FIX ENGINES!!!!!  IN ALL MY YEARS AS A MECHANIC AND I AM A OUTBOARD MECHANIC, NEVER EVER, EVER,EVER,EVER ECT HAVE I SEEN CHANGING A FUEL FILTER FIX A MOTOR ISSUE.

except.... on an optimax where the filter has a sensor in it and when the filter has to much water in it it will sound an alarm, changing the filter will shut off the alarm.

[Stein]

if it womnt idle crazy slow then its either that AFM o-ring leaking air, or you missed a plugged port in the carb, or adjustment, those are the only 2 things that really affect low idle, oh and good plugs

By "crazy low" I mean like 300 rpm.  I could see the blades in the prop spinning.  I was trying to get down to .5 mph with a slight wind.  It runs great at a more normal idle.