Carb/idle issue

[Bayflite73]

Okay, so now I'm totally confused. This post ties into my carb wanted post, but as its not about wanting the carb or buying a new one now I thought I'd better start a new thread.

So I just don't have $200 for a new carb right now so I thought, "What the heck, I'll fire up the boat today just to see what happens. What could It hurt right?" I go out there, fire her up and yep, she's idling way too high starts to sputter after a minute and kills, just like when we were out on Forest Lake. I fire her up again and play with the tension bolt and nut in the throttle cable linkage and it gets better. I turn it back and kill it. S I set it back and she runs at about 7-800 rpms. I give her a little gas? Fine. Even shift back and forth? Fine. And I know what Patrick said about Sea Foam, but I figure if I need a new carb anyway what can a little more hurt? So I pour a little into the carb directly as she's running and the idle kicks up but a little smoother then I dump the rest into the gas tank through the fill hose and she purrs like a kitten (okay a 2000 lb) kitten, but still, for a
good ten to fifteen minutes until I turn her off.

Long story I know, but I wanted to tell you guys what I had tried and observed.

So my question is I probably still need a new carb sooner rather than later, but should I take her out, and run her on a lake (so I don't have to worry about current and getting stuck downstream) or should I hold off and maybe take her to an actual marine mechanic to try to diagnose exactly what's wrong?

Thanks guys!

[fireman24mn]

Josh it is possible that what ever was in the carb passed threw. I would still probably get the carb done at some point. If you are going out on the lake let me know I could possibly meet you and bring my boat just in case. Give me a call or let me know.

[Bayflite73]

Josh it is possible that what ever was in the carb passed threw. I would still probably get the carb done at some point. If you are going out on the lake let me know I could possibly meet you and bring my boat just in case. Give me a call or let me know.

Agreed on both points. Maybe tomorrow or next week. Will have to check with the better half first though. We're off to the Twins game tonight so we'll have some time to discusses it.

[75starflight]

Josh, my theory is the same as Shawn's. It probably passed the crap out of the Carb. If it were mine, I would put it in a lake and run it WOT for a few laps, drop it down to idle an put around for a time and then do a couple more WOT runs to make sure everything is out of its system.

[V153]

Sounds like you might have some crud in the fuel? This is why I highly recommend installing a see through filter like so: as close to the carburator(s) as possible. Don't ever take for granted that your tank is 'clean'. Or that the fuel you're buying is either. There's alotta crap being passed off as gasoline these days. I would also change out the fuel line(s) with ethanol resistant stuff.

[Bayflite73]

Good idea Doug. Doran suggests it as well.

Anyone up for White Bear Lake tomorrow for test runs maybe like 9-9:30?

[Jason]

You have a fuel filter right? Does it look like it's full of junk too? Might be worth getting your tank cleaned, resealed, or replaced first or your carb problem may come back. I would run it again, see if it happens again. The throttle linkage on the 140 is very touchy and difficult to get a consistent idle setting. Could just be that too.

[fireman24mn]

Let me know I can meet you out there

[Bayflite73]

We'll hit the public ramp at 9-9:30 ish but I'll let you know. If its just me then the time I get to the ramp will be more specific. If the entire family comes... Well I'll call ya!

[Bayflite73]

Jason, good points all... And yes, I'll probably have to do something that extreame. Just hoping to make it through Red Wing first before anything major!