85 evinrude 140 quit on me

[love2fish]

85 Evinrude 140- took it out for the first time this weekend. Started up fine (smokey,but strong). idled and ran just fine. Then as I was pulling up to the dock, it stalled out. Doesnt seem to like anything below 1200-1400 RPMs. Ran to the sandbar a few times and on the 3rd trip it stalled out (started studdering while i was idling to the channel then just quit). Would not start for about 1/2 an hour. CGA came by and gave me a jump and after a few rough attempts it started and ran long enough to get me to the boat ramp where it died about 20 yards short of the ramp's dock.
I noticed that the primer ball doesnt seem to stay hard.

Any ideas where to start?

Thanks in advance (sounds like a few of us had some issues this weekend, hope everyone is recovering and doing better!).

[akbridge]

If your primer build is collapsed it could be the anti-siphon valve in the tank, a collapsed fuel line, gunk in the tank around the pick up tube, or a clogged fuel filter.  It does sound like a fuel issue.  I would start with the easy stuff and replace fuel filter and replace the lines.  Those engines always ran but they do smoke and drink fuel.

[akbridge]

Sorry I reread your post.  You said that the bulb doesn't stay hard while running.  Hmmm....  It could be anything at this point.  Check out your fuel system, do a compression check, and check the spark on each plug while running a hose.

[love2fish]

Thanks. I was only able to check the primer ball when it wouldnt start, I just (I wasnt able to check really when i was underway).  Its weird how after running and then coming down to idle it seems to bog out. After a few minutes of clearing out, it starts up and runs fine again.
Gonna clean out the carbs and change the plugs and see if that does anything.
Anyone recomment a good Evinrude/Johnson dealer or shop in the tampa bay area?

[akbridge]

What part of Tampa?

[love2fish]

I'm in South Tampa- Westshore and Gandy area. But I cover from Port Charlotte to NPR for work during the week so i can drive pretty much anywhere, just prefered something close.

[akbridge]

I do not know of anyone in the direct area.  I work on all of my own junk.  I get my parts from Mikes Outboard Marine here in Mulberry.  He knows his OMC engines and is very honest and helpful.  But it would be a haul for you.  Maybe someone else will pipe in with where they take their boats to.

[Blue Agave]

Give Billy Harrison a call @ Harrison marine.  He's located on Pearl ave. approximately 150 yards east of manhattan.

[love2fish]

removed the fuel tank box lid today, and found the top of the gas tank is in pretty good shape. The fuel fill, supply and vent line however are not! Here's a picture of the fuel line. It is running from the fuel pick-up which is towards the stern end of the tank forward through a teak 1X3 piece with a on/off valve through the floor trough to the water separater.
I'm guessing/wondering if this has something to do with my engine problem where it starts fine but sputters and dies after a few minutes of running (I'm sure it also needs a carb job which I'm going to do this weekend).
What do you guys think?


There's no fuel leaking out of the lines and it doesnt smell like gas at all in there; perhaps the lines are colapsing and preventing a steady flow of gas...

[flounderpounder225]

Looks like an old piece of tire on the side of the road.  I'd say if you didn't find your problem, you found a future one   But, I would agree, fuel problem going back to supply line and tank, if its soft, it could definitely collapse under normal vacuum suction.

[dbiscayne]

that looks really crusty.  make sure you get fuel line rated for ethanol, most of the new stuff is.
They usually start deteriorating from the inside, then collapse when the motor needs a lot of fuel, so you can idle but not get up on plane, usually... Sounds like your carbs might have gotten some pieces of fuel line caught up in the idle circuit.

[Capt. Bob]

removed the fuel tank box lid today, and found the top of the gas tank is in pretty good shape.

Well,
At this stage, I'd pull the tank.
You "might " get lucky and find out it's just peachy but at least you would know for sure.

And while I've seen member photos showing pitting/corrosion on top of the tank, my personal experience has been that the main failures have occurred on the bottom. Both tanks I have replaced have been bottomed pitted through and both looked a hell of a lot better than yours on the top side.

I'm just sayin'.

You're this far into it, seems like a good time to hedge your bet.

Good luck.

18 year old tank from the top.


Same tank from the bottom

[RebelYell]

..

That gas tank needs replacement.

I have replaced a couple of them so far in my boating hobby and neither looked that bad on the top.

If the hoses are that poor and the tank is that poor then obviously neither have ever been replaced. Gas tanks need replacing every 10-15 years if factory installed....you might get more life if you carefully install yourself with solid neoprene, 5200, good grounding, etc. That's just the way it is with aluminum tanks.

Even if your gas tank "seems OK" it needs replacement ASAP. It won't last you much longer and could even leave you stranded one day. Its way past its servicable life.

Just my opinion.

 :joker:

..

[love2fish]

from the fuel/water separater to the motor, the PO installed a "Quicksilver" fuel line/primer bulb... would this make a difference?

[Circle Hooked]

As long as it's the right size it should not matter,been using a quicksilver bulb on mine for awhile.