Motor Issues--the latest--Aug. 1st, Replaced Solenoid

I replaced the solenoid today and now it turns over like it always has, BUT IT WON'T START AND RUN.

Tries to start, but stumbles and then dies.

At one point, I thought flooded, so took plugs out, dried them and put back in and I did get it to start and run for about 5 minutes at higher speed (but the speed was waivering), but it stalled when I tried to idle down.

Wouldn't restart. So, I put in new spark plugs, changed the fuel filter and checked out the primer bulb. Still won't start and run. Starts, runs rough and stumbles for 2 or 3 seconds and then dies. Lots of gas in the fuel filter.

Probably a fuel issue of some sort, but what?

Tomorrow I will check the inside of the hoses from the tank to the fuel pump to ensure they are not breaking down.

Anyone with ideas?

Thanks

SDC

Might be some water in the gas Ralph….try some methyl hydrate in the fuel to dissipate the water.

Could also be a bad plug.

Good luck.

Arnie

Glad the motor is starting now.

The rough running problem. Yes, sounds like a fuel issue.

i) could be air leak or air in fuel line
ii) make sure the gas tank cap is vented
iii) try new fresh fuel

You already cleaned the plugs and fuel filter, so those should be ok.

It's a four stroke, so usually run good, but on my 2 stroke, my outboard was running rough as well and stalling at low idle. I had to clean and rebuild the carbs. It runs good now, almost purring. But have to take it to the lake for a true test at all speeds, to confirm it's fixed. When I find the time, someday before summer is over...

Carb cleaning and rebuild was quite the chore and delicate work.. Hopefully you don't have to go there, but it is part of general maintenance, esp for older 2 strokes.

What kind of fuel line you have Sdcaller? Several friends of mine and myself had issues with grey Mercury lines. I have had an injector fouled on one cylinder. Rough start to no stsrt. 3 year old Yamaha. Fixed under warranty. No issues with black lines doesn't matter Mercury or Yamaha.

Try running it on new fuel not just your old tank topped up. It sounds like a bad fuel issue. This ethanol fuel wont store for more than a couple months.

defintely a fuel issue now.......we have talked about adding additives since ethanol first came on the market


both old and new fuel beet it if you don't want issues.


now you most likely have a gummed up carb....which can be fixed, but maybe consider a new one if the new fuel and a basic carb cleaning don't work

don;t forget, you also have bad fuel in your hose as well that you either drain or try and push through


good luck

Check your fuel pickup in the gas tank too. Ethanol deteriorates them and they will sometimes suck air there.

Arnie

I found evidence of "varnish" in the fuel lines, despite always using Seafoam.

I've done all I know how to do.

I'll take it to my marine mechanic on Tuesday and let them sort it out.

SDC

Good luck…hope you are back in the water soon.

Maybe injectors, my son was struggling with his 115 YAMAHA, was running very rough. Checked pressure at heads, fuel, fuel filter, primer bulb, all the things it sounds like you have checked. Had injectors re built and presto, runs like new in 2004.

Marina has not been able to fit me in yet, so I have done more checking and experimenting on my own.

New plugs, new fuel filter, checked/cleaned all fuel lines on motor, sprayed carb cleaner into the fuel pump.

Checked fuel tank pick ups and all are clean.

Did discover fuel line from the tank to the motor, was full of "varnish". Decided to replace fuel line and primer bulb. Bought the new Mercury line for a 1998 motor or newer (mine is a 99), but the connectors do not fit my motor or the fuel tank?

Off to the Marina tomorrow to see if I can get the right fuel line. If not, I will buy plain fuel hose, a new primer bulb and remove the connectors from my old fuel line and make my own.

SDC

Sheesh Ralph, what a pain.! I have often said that there's a thin line between a challenge and a PITA. This one is waay over that line. Lucky that you're a patient guy!

Hey Harold

If you are a fisherman, you have to be a patient person.

Ralph

Good diagnostics for your outboard issues.

I changed my fuel line & bulb a couple of years ago and bought the end connectors.

I hope you get this issue sorted out soon.

Thanks for the update, cheers!