Stuck Needle

[wrenchalot]

I have a 1992 30Q ( know, - hot!) that has in the last several years developed an issue where the needle sticks shut; it will start, but only run until the gas in the bowl runs out. Sometimes, it can be overcome by pumping the bulb really hard, but most of the time it requires taking the carb off and dropping the bowl. The needle is invariably stuck in the seat. The slightest tap will unseat it and it runs fine for the rest of the day.

The needle and seat were replaced with an overhaul kit, but the problem persists. The old needle seat were put back in and it runs the same.

The first mechanic told me it was ethanol in the gas. Switching did not solve it. The dealer tells me I am the oly person to have this issue and ethanol is not a problem.

Any guidance would be helpful.

[Sparkieboat]

I had a 1995 50hp yammy that did the same stupid thing..it was always my bottom carb...I replaced needle valve and seat just as you did..same problem..only thing I found to stop it was to run all gas out of the carb every time I took the motor out of the water...I am not really sure why they do that.

[boatmangc]

Check your fuel pressure, your diaphragms are probably worn, especially if it is original.
If your fuel pump is weak it may not open the needle.

[rodbolt17]

while replacing/repairing the fuel pump as periodic maint is a good thing, its not what your issue is.
the fuel pump DOES NOT open the needle, gravity does.
we have seen it before but I cannot explain why.
wish I could.
seems the C25 is the worst about it.
dunno if its certain oils,certain fuels or what but the only solution I have found is to drain the fuel bowls before letting it sit more than a week or so.
with the advent of E fuels we find that some fuel system parts dissolve in the solvent(ethanol) and start sticking things.

[wrenchalot]

Stuck needle

Thax for the input - I agree with rodbolt 17 - I am convinced it is the plastic tip of the needle sticking on the seat. Is anybody aware of a replacement needle without the plastic, or a needle that actually attaches to the float so the float weight would drag the needle out of the seat?

[Sparkieboat]

on my 50HP motor the needle did attach to the float..I assume it does on the 25 also. the float is what "drags" or opens/closes the needle valve. When mine stuck I had to give it a pretty firm tug...but as Rod mentioned ..only fix is to drain fuel out of carbs if it is going to sit for more than a few days.

[200090tlry]

I had same problem with mercury

The new part had orange rubber around needle. For some reason it would stick. I used Mercury's quick clean and ran way better go figure. Seafoam didnt not make difference. Semi syn oil made a world of difference I would suggest you try that if your premix.

[bbrks54@netscape.net]

I had the sticking problem and fixed it by using a tiny rolled bit of 400 grit sandpaper to deburr the inside of the seat. It seems that tiny burrs inside the ID of the seat were grabbing the needle. I also very delicately, using a magnifier, smoothed four edges of the needle. Cured my problem.