Saving Old Seagulls

Interesting. Sorted the motor last night, turned out to be nothing more than a loose backplate allowing the timing to wander. The interesting part is once sorted she started OK but 4 stroked like crazy ( something she has never done before off choke ) so I had to weaken the mixture. ( 2.5 turns down...

Well I now have a new respect for my 40. At the weekend being somewhat more circumferantially challenged of late and thinking the exercise would do me good I rashly took the old inflatable down to the boat sans seagull :shock: I managed to row there OK ish but it was harder work than I would have li...

Thanks Vic, had a feeling it was you but wasn't sure! It may not be the mixture then I guess as mine doesn't 4 stroke except on choke ( and a tiny bit after while it coughs out the rich mixture ) and seems to be running right. Haven't checked the points yet ( the other obvious cause of a non start! ...

Was unsure whether this should go under 'help' or not, feel free to move it mods. OK as most know I have a 40+ which I think is the dogs sphericals, I have had it a year or two but this season is the first time I have used it in anger so to speak, ie at least once a weekend. She has to push my self ...

Seagulls are made for boating alright, however, there is nothing wrong with a little tank testing to belay the withdrawal symptoms :wink: As for what you unkindly class as 'leaks' or slightly better as 'seepage' these are merely 'undocumented features'. It is well known that as part of a good schedu...

I think a second hand virgin is an oxymoron isn't it? unlikely to work I fear.

As for part numbers I am not sure, try looking up the number for a male bottom rib, I think they are related ( but probably not interchangeable )

Ho Yus! and affiliated to the W.B.A.S. ( Wheely bin appreciation society ) In darkened cellars we can be found moaning about all things modern. We are currently planning a protest on fuel prices ( I have nearly used half a tankful already this season ) so plan to sneak up the Thames ( thus avoiding ...

Looking at things logically ( not always easy when you have done everything right as you have, I am assuming you HAVE sacrificed a virgin as well of course? :wink: ) If the plug / lead and spark are OK ( the more usual causes of problems ) then the major difference between starting when hot and when...

So THATS what S.O.S. stands for

( Don't worry, I am one too. My beloved 40+ always makes me smile as it shoves my inflatable - beaching wheels still in down position - plus me - no lightweight - plus guest plus other supplies up to my mooring )

Only other thing I can think of is something loose in the magneto which has caused timing to slip / weak spark or both, and is now binding on the flywheel perhaps?

Do let us know what you find

Could it be a problem down at the gearbox / prop end rather than the power head? does your have a clutch? Have to confess I thought my dear old 40 was partially seized once only to look down and see the prop cutting into the lawn as I was holding motor at the wrong angle ...... :oops: Not suggesting...

It most definitely is possible to have a weak spark that 'dies' when under compression in the motor. Have you replaced the HT lead? and make sure the points are really clean and making a good contact when closed and open to correct gap. Another thought, is the magneto back plate in the correct posit...

Wouldn't the petrol leak through the lace holes?

Obviously the best solution is to get replacements from John at SOS, fair prices and quick delivery. I beleive he is off sailing this week but back next week. If you really can't wait that long a soft copper washer might do the trick on the fuel tap if you can find one with the correct internal diam...

Ah the Arrow! My Dad had a 'Leader', same bike but with totally enclosed everything, fairing and screen, looked like an overgrown scooter. I think he still has some spares in the garage will have to check if he has a fuel tap now!