Where should I start

[flyguy]

Thanks for the HT tip Oyster
I think all I will need to do is move the position of the throttle lever, swing it round to the outside and maybe move it up the tiller half an inch
EDIT... See I told you I knew nothing its the HT lead I need to look at not the throttle cable

[flyguy]

Another (silly) question
I know the transom has a hook to keep the shaft out of the water,
should it have something to lock it in place when it's in the water?
I have tried looking on here but can't see anything about it

[Oyster 49]

Centuries and 102s have a locking pin, with a latch to allow the engine to tilt up. 40s don't, unless you choose to tweak one to fit. Actually with a 40 if you are going along and slow right down the engine often tilts up

[flyguy]

Thanks again Oyster, I noticed a u shaped metal bar on some and mine didn't have one
It will be an advantage tilting up when slowing down

[flyguy]

I think I should try and clean the fuel line again, I can still see small bits in the fuel
looking at the tank it has 2 screw fittings on the base, I guess its so the tank could be turned round, does this mean that the tap can be unscrewed from the tank?
if so then that might mean I can get into where the filter is and then really flush everything
if it does would putting a spanner onto the tap be the way to unloosen it?
I don't want to try this only to find I break some seal

[Keith.P]

It would be better to have a complete clean out of the fuel system, one reason people don't like the metal tanks, as it could be a constant issue.
I would use a large-ish adjustable spanner rather than a spanner to remove the fuel tap, only because you have a longer jaw on an adjustable than you do with a standard spanner, If you end up needing a fuel washer, they are not hard to find at all.

[flyguy]

Thanks Keith, good tip on the adjustable spanner, I looked up images of the tap and filter I think this tank may be missing the filter as I can't see it by looking into the tank but I can see spare filters online if I am correct

[Keith.P]

They do get damaged and replacement filters are about and some do put an in-line filter on the fuel pipe, but I think that looks awful, try and replace it.

[flyguy]

Thanks again Keith, I will be taking off the tap tomorrow and cleaning the whole lot again, then if I need to I will fit a new filter, I got a couple cheap off ebay so
the spare one can go to anyone on here who can use one

[flyguy]

Keith thanks for the tip on using an adjustable spanner to take off the tap and I'm pleased I did
the reason I have crud in the fuel line is because I don't have a filter on the tap (Yet)
I looked at images and assume it should look like this



mine is missing the filter, so I need to solder one on
While I have the tank off and the tap out I am going to really flush the tank

[Keith.P]

Its pretty common to have them missing, the trick to clean out a tank was to put in a handful of pea gravel in and shake, then you realise the fuel tap is still fitted.

[Oyster 49]

AS Keith says a handful of pea gravel is a good way of cleaning a tank out. I do the following:
1. Fill with paraffin and leave to soak over night.
2. Drain and add a handful clean pea gravel and another cupful of paraffin.
3. dance around the garage or shed and garden do the maracas. It's important that the neighbours see you at this point.
4.If the tank is clean add 2 dishwasher tablets and fill with hot water and leave for several hours.
5. If still a bit cruddy half fill with water and add around 3 tablespoons of caustic soda crystals. leave to soak for a day or two.
6. A work friend has just suffered very nasty burns using industrial strength drain cleaner, wear gloves and eye protection and be careful with the caustic. B&Q caustic is ok and not too strong. Always add the powder to water, never the other way around.

after all that it will be fine, probably worth replacing the fuel pipe at this point.

[flyguy]

Thanks lads, I will do all the above
my neighbours already think I'm nuts so I doubt they will bat an eyelid
My usual way of getting afloat

and I once saw plans for attaching a transom board, not going to try that though

[flyguy]

Hmmmm? I ran it for about 20 minutes without a problem, no missfires no racing or dying I had good water flow and I made sure it was running half throttle
everything went perfectly until the fuel ran out, (I wanted to empty the tank)
but then because I had nothing to do I added more fuel and ran it again, it ran fine for 15 minutes then spluttered to a stop, it starts now but only runs for about a minute.
Would you
suspect an airlock?
A cracked block? (no sign of any cracking and nothing leaking out)
Dirt in the fuel? (still waiting for the tap filter but the banjo filter is clear of crud)
I have looked at the sparkplug and its fine
any advice appreciated

[Keith.P]

If the fuel filter is clean and the air vent is open, then you may have to look at the carburettor, I would get a filter on the fuel tap, otherwise this will be an ongoing problem.