Expert: Everett Peacock - 2/22/2009

Question
I have a 1978 85 horse Evinrude outboard. I just purchased it. The engine has sat since the end of last summer. I put fresh fuel, oil, and plugs in it. When i started it, it took a while to get it started and running. It seems as though the engine does not have a good idle. I am having to play with the choke to keep it running. There also seems to be a lot of fuel coming out of the exhaust. Do I need to rebuild the carbs, or get a cleaner for them and try to clean them out before taking them apart? I am new at this type of work. I am a hydraulic mechanic, and learning the whole marine engine.

Answer
Your carbs need to be cleaned and or rebuilt...Get a kit for each carb...comes with the gaskets you will need...Take your time and carefully remove and clean with carb cleaner all surfaces and passages and jets...reassemble and you should be fine...
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