Little forty not running right

[simonseagull]

I have changed plug cleaned carb. It feels like it's struggling and there's more power there I can walk faster than it runs at the moment. Couple of times it's ran ok and the front of the boats been rising out the water. Any help please. I don't know much about outboards so pleas try to explain to me like I'm your granny ! Many thanks

[simonseagull]

Serial number starts fv If it helps

[Jerry In Maine]

fuel fresh?

[simonseagull]

Yes and mixed correctly

[Jerry In Maine]

simon -

clean the carb out. it's not difficult, but if you're hesitant at least pull the bowl off the bottom and the needle off the top and blow compressed air through the passages. better yet get a buddy with a bit more experience with engines and have him tear the carb down fully. watch him so you can do it next time on your own.

make sure fuel flows freely to the carb from the tank and that air is getting into the tank when the air inlet on the fuel cap is opened.

once done i'll bet you could ski behind that seagull

other potential problems (but not as likely): maybe a weak/intermittent spark due to a bad HT lead, points out of adjustment, head gasket leaking...my money is on the carb though.

[Todd]

Just to add a bit more to Jerry's good advice;

While the carb is opened up, make sure you've got the correct jet needle for the mixture you're running (see FAQ link @ main page), and also check the position of the mixture screw in the top center of the carb slide. The default position is with the screw level with the top of the slide. Below that level leans the mixture, above richens it.