Tohatsu 2 stroke carb outboard floods... a lot

[JustinT]

Hi all
I'm having problems starting the outboard.
On having a little help the diagnosis was that there was too much fuel.
I've taken the carb apart for the second time to check the float needle.
The carb is just sooo clean. Put a pointed wood dowel in the needle housing.
Now have put the carb back on but I am confused as to what the "big needle" going into the electric start circuit board is and how the plastic connector goes exactly onto the rod on the carb.
However, I feel this may be a wasted exercise as I'm not convinced this will solve the too much fuel issue as there was such a lot of fuel.
When squeezing the primer on the pipe it never went hard, just pushed more through the carb, but there would be loads of fuel in the engine even without priming.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers.

[GordMay]

Check the needle valve seat, for dirt, pitting, or scoring, etc.
Check that the float has not absorbed fuel, and actually floats.
Then, the engine manual usually details a procedure for setting the float height.

[JustinT]

Thanks

[jamhass]

Sorry Justin, I forget which outboard, an ID would be good, especially with your "connection" comments, which confused me.

Anyway, what Gord said is the first go-to for a flooded engine not starting.

[JustinT]

I have taken the outboard to Cam Marine on Skye. I had cleaned the needle and checked the float but was unable to try it again. Hopefully he can troubleshoot it.

[roberttigar]

I had a problem with a Yahama 2 stroke that relatede to the carb. It wouldnt idle-just die. Carbs are tough-no knowledge on my end even with a repair guide. I searched on thr internet by part# for a replacement...direct from Yahama ...over $100...I think it was amaxzon who had it fof about $30.

I didnt even have to fine tune the carb. Bolted it on and pulled the cord. Bop

[Kettlewell]

I have had problems before with small Tohatsu carb floats sticking. If it sticks in the open position the needle valve will just keep letting in fuel, causing the engine to flood--too much gas. As you have done, the needle valve is likely in need of cleaning, but sometimes the float is bent a bit and sticks in place. Also, the teeny tiny jets in these small engines are very prone to getting clogged. I can't remember if there is a low-speed jet in those carbs, but that is often the culprit. Sometimes you can get the engine to start and it then quickly sputters out. If that is the case, try starting it with wide open throttle, which brings the high-speed jet into play. In any case, blast out any crud in the jets with the little red straw attached to a can of WD40. Keep the carb working smoothly by always using Stabil 360 Marine in every tankfull of gasoline. Also, use a high quality two-stroke oil in the correct ratio. Cheapo oil is not worth using. By the way, replacement carbs are not all that expensive: https://www.readysetboat.com/tohatsu...arburetor.html

[MicHughV]

My experience with those tiny carbs is that there is a small filter....and I mean small...about the size of a matchhead, with an extremely fine mesh, that is easily gummed up, especially in a two stroke, with the oil/fuel mixture it burns.
The location of this filter varies, mine was so gummed up, it looked like part of the carb.
Finding it and cleaning it may solve all your problems.
I wasn't even aware this filter was there until someone pointed it out to me.

Alternately, as pointed out above, you can go to Amazon online and get a new carb. 1,000's of models exist and they are relatively inexpensive and just switch out the carbs.

[JustinT]

Ok. After a bit of work on it and some advice from Cam Marine on Skye. Looks like the electric choke solenoid was not put back right when the previous owner cleaned the carb. The morse cables are in a bad way and too long. I have ordered some more low friction ones. The fast idle lever wasn't doing anything due to the morse cables. The engine does start if you avoid flooding it and when flooded, cooking the spark plugs on a stove gets the engine interested.

It seems it is just very sensitive at startup. When it runs, it is a very good engine and is in a very good condition. Starting requires a tiny bit of choke and a tiny bit of throttle.

[JustinT]

I've now found out what the problem was, the morse cables were no good. New low friction ones on there and it is working perfectly.