1979 Evinrude 115 hp only running on top two cylinders??

[treejohn]

I just got a 1979 Aquasport 176 with a 115 hp evinrude on the back it has been sitting in storage for 5 years drained old gas, cleaned out carbs, put on new fuel pump, changed spark plugs, put in new gas. I cant get it to idle in the water  and when I can get it into gear it only runs at about 2000 rpm. The spark plugs on the bottom 2 cylinders look like they are not working nice and shiny still. I know they are getting spark I had my brother in law hold them and they ARE getting spark he said. I heard it might be the power pack but didnt know if that would affect only both lower cylinders. Any help would be appreciated.

[Capn Mark]

I am not a mechanic but if you are getting spark to all four cylinders , you need to check the linkage to your carbs and make sure both are opening up, also check the linkage to your timing base and make sure it is advancing when you throttle up.  These are some basic things that may be the culprit.  good luck and keep us informed so that we may increase our knowledge base along with you.

[fitz73222]

If the carbs were cleaned correctly, meaning completely disassembled and soaked in Cleaning acid for 30-45 minutes and reassembled with new parts, look for a bad lower crankshaft seal. The fuel charge is escaping through the bad seal and not making it to the combustion chamber to fire. It is the common link to both bottom cylinders. Pull the gearcase and see if oil and gas are running down the driveshaft. This is a common killer of older outboards that puts them in the junkyard long before they`re ready. Basically, no fuel means no oil and the rings and wrist pin bearings take the hit.

[saltfly]

I agree with fitz. With those motors. If your problem is vertical its electrical. If horizontal its fuel. The bottom carb. Is where any dirt that is in the fuel will fall. So cleaning it is the first step to finding and fixing the problem. Also with the plugs being that clean. Check the water jacket head gaskets. Water could be getting in and washing every thing clean. It would also be where a compression lost could be. Then check your reed values in the intake.

[treejohn]

I didnt clean the carbs to that level so I will take them off and let them soak is there anything I should look for inside them??Thanks for the help. It is just killing me seeing this beautiful boat sitting in my driveway.

[fitz73222]

Ok, first thing to do...
Go to the auto parts store and pick up a gallon of Berryman or equivelent carb and parts cleaner. Chances are the main fuel nozzels are plugged with varnish. These are the brass tubes that deliver the metered fuel into the venturi that feeds the engine. This is a double barrel design with two fuel nozzels. Do you have a basic generic engine manual to better understand this design? these are not complicated carbs to rebuild. I`ll be glad to help with this but having a reference manual will really go a long way.

[bayou runner]

I just got a 1979 Aquasport 176 with a 115 hp evinrude on the back it has been sitting in storage for 5 years drained old gas, cleaned out carbs, put on new fuel pump, changed spark plugs, put in new gas. I cant get it to idle in the water  and when I can get it into gear it only runs at about 2000 rpm. The spark plugs on the bottom 2 cylinders look like they are not working nice and shiny still. I know they are getting spark I had my brother in law hold them and they ARE getting spark he said. I heard it might be the power pack but didnt know if that would affect only both lower cylinders. Any help would be appreciated.

I know brother-in-law said it is hot, and if he is dumb enough to hold 'em while you turn the motor over, I doubt that he is smart enough to poke fun at you and lie......BUT I'd check it at the power pack w/screw driver and make sure she's firing.