On an outboard without fuel injection, the carburettor mixes the fuel with air. Its jets are tiny, so dirt, water or varnish from fuel that has evaporated soon block them, and the engine runs badly or won't run at all. Most carburettor problems are fixed by cleaning it, and an old one may need a repair kit with a new needle, float and gaskets.
PHOTO Dangar Marine Outboard Guide
The carburettor has debris blocking the jets
Open ›A very common reason that outboard motors run badly is from dirt in the carburettor(s). This can be from water or other contaminants in the fuel, perished fuel lines breaking up and putting debris into the fuel or varnish from fuel that has evaporated after the engine has been sitting for a long time.
Cleaning a Yamaha 15HP carburettor
Open ›Taking the carburettor off a Yamaha 15HP two-stroke, taking it apart and cleaning it.
Unblocking a carburettor jet on the water
Open ›A quick trick for clearing a blocked jet without taking the carburettor off.
Fitting a carburettor repair kit
Open ›Replacing the float, needle and gaskets in a carburettor with a repair kit.
Making a paper carburettor gasket
Open ›Making a gasket from paper when you can't get the right one.
Synchronising the carburettors on an outboard will make it run smoothly
Open ›Outboards that have multiple carburettors need the carburettors synchronised in order to run smoothly.
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