Blue Runner, when it rains it pours report

[Blue_Runner]

It can be really depressing to have a boat with a motor that isn't running right. Luckily my dad has the little 14' mckee craft and lets me use it any time. As was the case this weekend. Blue Runner sat patiently on the trailer all day Saturday as me and the wife and kids frolicked on the lake. It was a great day full of tubing, swimming, jumping off the dock, catching small bream, etc. etc. Until the end of the day. That's when the 20 year old 40 hp evinrude decided to spin the hub on the 20 year old 11 3/4 x 17 prop.........

We were about a mile and a half from the ramp and were able to get enough friction off the prop hub to run about 2.5 mph. Long slow ride back but hey, at least we made it! So now I'm stuck with 2 non-running boats!! Wow, how sucky indeed.

Sunday, a new day dawned and my electrician buddy Joey called me up around 10 am about looking at my engine on the V21. Off we went with the BR in tow headed for Joey's dads shop. Backed her in and proceeded to take apart each of the 3 carbs, cleaned real good and reassembled and set to the side. Some junk DID come out. Almost looked like little pieces of rubber hose.....made me suspect that tank of ethynol from last season - I hate that stuff!!

I pulled off my H2O separator filter and rode to Wally world to buy a new one. Installed and proceeded to squeeze the ball to check the fuel coming out of the lines leading to the carbs. Looked pretty good so we put the carbs back on, pulled the boat out of the shop, hooked up muffs and cranked her up with the cowl off to check for leaks.

No leaks, so we pulled the plug wire to listen while it ran. Hard to tell so we headed to the lake and put her in the water. As soon as it cranked I could tell it was FIXED. My suspicions were confirmed as we came on a plane and I could tell she had her original PEP! Up to 42 mph and 5000 RPM's she went!! SCHWWEEEEETT!! THANKS TO JOEY!! Now I feel confident I could take it all apart again if needed.

So, in summary, Joey saved me $400 - $500 dollars. The internals of the carbs looked brand new. Thank you EVERYBODY for encouraging me to do this myself!! You guys are awesome!

Oh, and guess what?!?!

I'M GOING FISHING THIS WEEKEND!!!

[parishht]

Great to hear that you are up and running again.

I am a firm believer that anybody can do anything with enough time and patience.

[Blue_Runner]

Thanks Parish! I am right there with you on that. After seeing it all first hand, I'm convinced that its so easy a caveman could have done it!

I'm glad I didn't pay a caveman to do it!!

All the guys on the site really know their stuff, that is for sure. I'm greatful to have this site as a resource.

[randlemanboater]

Glad you are back up and running BR!

[Airslot]

Congrats, but man...you need to change the title of this thread. You got BR fixed for about nothin, and spun a hub on a 20 y/o prop Your in for another $50 to fix that?

Heck, that sounds like a great weekend to me :)

[Blue_Runner]

LOL SLOT! I forgot to mention that while we were working on the boat motor, my wife calls and says her car won't start!

Everything is cool now.


Preeshate it Parish, Slot and RB. Time to do the happy dance!

[Blue_Runner]

I told dad we should just buy a new or reconditioned prop - saw one for $85 on fleabay, and then get this one fixed for a back-up.

He seemed to be down with that. Keep an eye out for a prop thread soon, maybe this evening...when we pulled the prop, the inner bushing seemed to stay on the shaft. Dad swears that part is not supposed to come off but I beg to differ. I will post pics this evening time permitting.

[phester]

fixing it yourself and saving a boatload of money....itsa special feeling. Glad you're up and running BR

[Blue_Runner]

Thanks Phes, you said that right!!

[Stinky_Hooker]

Man that is AWESOME!!!! Im so happy for you! I know that feeling of a broke down outboard and how GREAT it feels when she planes off and runs great!!


CONGRATS!!!