Sick Seagull

[dickh]

I have a 2HP seagull outboard; it was one of the first with Electronic ignition. I stopped using it about 2 years ago as it wouldn't start easily or run properly so bought a Honda 2HP as a replacement. Having a clearout, so with the intention of selling it I started to check it over to get it going again. I fitted a new plug, clean fuel and cleaned out the carb. - and it started after 3/4 pulls. Great I thought, I'll check it again tomorrow evening and then advertise it, but next day it wouldn't start, or the next... After several attempts and further carb cleaning and checking etc still no result. I have a good spark so it appears to be fuel related? The carb is assembled correctly ie the screw holding the centre jet assembly is in the slot and not in the fuel hole, there is fuel in the float chamber and the filter is not blocked.There appears to be good compression so I don't want to strip it completely to inspect the innards
Can anyone give any further suggestions - I'm loath to just scrap it as it used to be very reliable.

 

[oldharry]

Welcome to th4e vagiaries of the seagull! I had one which started first time every pull - until you put it on the boat, when it would give you tennis elbow trying to start it. Even seagull couldnt work it out...

Try replacing the HT wire - a very common cause of problems on these old engines.

But dont throw good after bad ......

 

[dickh]

Oldharry,
Thanks for reply, will try that, but how do you remove the flywheel cover? After the recoil starter cover is removed and the central securing nut, the flywheel is obviously on a taper on the crankshaft but with no jacking holes to fit a puller - I seem to remember reading a long time ago that you have to hold the flywheel with the motor hanging free and then getting an assistant to belt the crankshaft to free the taper - but on this seagull the flywheel is so small your hands just slip off before it can be belted!!

 

[andyball]

first thing I do with any 2-stroke that won't start......is try another plug, even if the one that's in there was new 5mins before: it happens, and it's not always obvious by checking the spark when in it's not under pressure.

 

[robp]

Don't know the older ones with electronic ignition. But I have a later 5HP one which is actually a Selva. Everything seems to be OK, even spark but then when it's assembled, the safety cut out becomes intermittant. Does yours have one?

 

[jollyjacktar]

If fuel troubles, it is a good idea to try freshly mixed fuel with fresh petrol from the petrol station, sometimes makes a difference, as strangely enough petrol does go "off" under some circumstances. In my experience it seems to be most critical with 2 strokes, whereas a 4 stroke engine seems to carry on regardless. I seem to remember reading somewhere the scientific explanation for this effect all to do with the complicated mixture of chemicals used in petrol nowdays and the effects of ageing and evaporation of some of them.

 

[dickh]

jollyjacktar,

I used fresh petrol and mixed the oil in accurately - 25:1

thanks also to robp - my seagull doesn't have a cutout switch.

dickh

 

[Calluna]

Have a look at John William's website (http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/) or give him a ring if you've still got a problem with it. He seems to know seagull engines inside out and also buys seagulls for parts etc.

 

[jollyjacktar]

Only other fault [which may not be on yours, as I do not have any experience with electronic ignition] is that I have experienced similar problems and after trying everything else have finally had the flywheel magnets remagnetised. Do not know how you test for this condition but on the two occasions that I finally resolved to this action it fixed the problem.

However you say you have a good spark. All the motor needs is spark and fuel. Timing of the spark is somewhat critical and the fuel must be in the proper air/fuel ratio. An lo and behold the motor will run.

Isn't is easy to solve these problems by intellectual reasoning from the comfort of my armchair. Good luck with the problem and stick with it. I would be interested to know what the problem was if you get it going.

 

[castaway]

Check the the fuel line is clear. Dispite both fuel filters being clean I found the fuel line blocked by some black gloop.....Now runs perfectly. Only thing is Ive bought a Yamaha now as the kids got sick of being whipped across the face, whilst in the dinghy, with the starter chord.

(actually i wish id bought the Yam years ago)

Nick.