Sailpro low idle

[BruceW]

I have only used non ethanol fuel, change it out every couple months, etc. I put new fuel in June 13, then didn't get back to the boat till Aug 8. Started up first pull, ran great out of the slip, and into the river. Then, it died at low idle before I was ready. Later, it started up first pull again, and died going into slip. I approach scruciatingly slow.

Anyway, next day, I found same issue. Ran the carb dry, took the fuel container with me, dumped the remaining fuel into the car.

Other than fresh gas with seafoam in it, what should/could I be doing? I can set the idle up a tick and keep it going, btw.

Thanks!

Bruce

[Craig]

Had a nearly identical problem w/our Sailpro. Had carb cleaned by mechanic and added an in-line fuel filter between tank and motor. Jets seem to be incredibly easy to foul. Ran well after that.

[BruceW]

Dang, I hate that if it is same cause. I've only had the motor about a year and a half, and have been real careful with the gas. Ugh. So, anyway, I'll bring fresh gas and put Sea Foam in it for my next trip, see if it dissolves what's ailing the jet.

[peterg]

Same engine, same problem. Used non-ethanol and stabilizer, and the darned motor would not idle, which made it impossible to maneuver in marina and back the 23 into slip. The boat had been sitting for a few weeks when the problem cropped up. My mechanic cleaned the carb and told me that the orifice in the jets on the four strokes are very tiny, hence are more prone to clogging (even though I run a filter). He also showed me two clear mason jars of gas- ethanol and non-ethanol. When exposed to some air for a month, the ethanol gas  had separated into two distinct layers. The non-eth had also separated into a gas layer and something else that was darker than the gas. The mechanic also recommended the use of SeaFoam. Oh well, it is a BOAT............break out another thousand!!

[hinmo]

sorry- hate to chime in on the negative side. I had a sailpro on a previous boat and had issues with ethanol constantly.
I have had a myriad of 2S and 4S small OBs and have found the 2S much less sensitive to the E10 issues. I have a 4S Suzuki right now, that I simply replace the carb on it (around 85$) every second year....while two Nissan 2S's run great...winterized and run relatively constantly all summer

2 strokes rule

(ps - most the 4s small outboard carbs are cheap on line an easy to replace)

[BruceW]

well, hinmo, I have never used ethanol in this engine.

BTW, I had a great Evinrude 2 stroke. Quit using ethanol in it, and no issues ever.

I don't really have any mechanic skills, so I don't know about changing the carb out or cleaning the carb myself. I don't know if someone at my club can do it either.

Was wishfully thinking that maybe fresh gas with the right cleaner in it might do the trick. I once cleaned a carb on the lawnmower just by spraying gumout into it.  Anybody here think that would be worth a try?

It is major league pain in the ass to take my motor off, where the boat is. I may have to at some point though. Argh.

[Craig]

Using Gumout absolutely worth a try. Putting an inexpensive in-line filter in your tank line takes maybe 10 minutes and provides some extra protection. Costs around $10 for filter and clamps.

[brackish]

coming up on 2.5 years on mine.  Never had a problem of any kind.  I never disconnect the gas line, I never run it dry, I use only non ethanol without additives but change it out every two months if it isn't run out.  I usually run it at least once a every two weeks year round, but it has gone as long as six weeks.   I keep the tank topped off as much as practical.  Usually starts on the second pull unless I set the throttle or choke wrong or forget to put the clip key on?  Really like this motor.

[Shawn]

I had a Sailpro for about 4 years. Never disconnected the gas line, never ran it dry and used fuel with ethanol in it. I didn't change it out so what started in the tank at the start of the season also typically ended the season too. Always have Seafoam in the fuel and I had a Racor 320R in the fuel line. No problems with clogged jets.

Shawn

[hinmo]

well, hinmo, I have never used ethanol in this engine.

BTW, I had a great Evinrude 2 stroke. Quit using ethanol in it, and no issues ever.

I don't really have any mechanic skills, so I don't know about changing the carb out or cleaning the carb myself. I don't know if someone at my club can do it either.

Was wishfully thinking that maybe fresh gas with the right cleaner in it might do the trick. I once cleaned a carb on the lawnmower just by spraying gumout into it.  Anybody here think that would be worth a try?

It is major league pain in the ass to take my motor off, where the boat is. I may have to at some point though. Argh.

well, I thought it was the e10, maybe it was just the general characteristics of fouled jets....overall i was NOT happy with the sailpro

[BruceW]

I'm glad to hear about those who haven't had the problems, really. However, I think I have done about all in prevention I could do. The issue seems to be infrequent use, which I can't really control.

Now, about the cure. Will I in fact have to take the motor off, take to a shop, and pay the mechanic to clean the carb? I'll try the gumout first. 

It's just one of these things that I feel bad about when I do what I can to prevent.

I can see why people want to keep the old motors that didn't have such low tolerance.

I take it that the general consensus is clogged jet? Can I learn to fix this on the boat? Cringe, haha

[hinmo]

I'm glad to hear about those who haven't had the problems, really. However, I think I have done about all in prevention I could do. The issue seems to be infrequent use, which I can't really control.

Now, about the cure. Will I in fact have to take the motor off, take to a shop, and pay the mechanic to clean the carb? I'll try the gumout first. 

It's just one of these things that I feel bad about when I do what I can to prevent.

I can see why people want to keep the old motors that didn't have such low tolerance.

I take it that the general consensus is clogged jet? Can I learn to fix this on the boat? Cringe, haha

new carbs are $100-150 online (think you can find it cheaper). They're simple to replace

[BruceW]

I'd like to believe that, haha.  I'm thinking I'll see if I can get it to work via idle setting. It has always seemed too low. Heck, it might work, haha.

Okay, I'll also look up how to fix/replace carb, too. Appreciate the info.

[Dave]

I've had the Tohatsu 6hp Sail Pro for several years and so far no problems (maybe I'm just lucky).  In FL and able to use real gas.  Also have a Honda 6hp that's been nothing but trouble and is in NJ where I can only get E10.  Low idle jet clogs several times a season in spite of upgraded in line gas filter and external filter.

Frankly I'm tired of manufacturers/dealers blaming ethanol.  E10 has been around for years.  There is nothing in the instruction booklet that warns against E10.  If E10 is a problem that can't be fixed then the manufacturers at least owe us a warning