Need help please / mechanical advice

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BigPat

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1976 Volvo Penta 4 cylinder / two carburators

Starboard engine won't idle right.

Been noodling with the mixing and idling screws to no avail. Was told to check the fuel filters. That's where I'm stuck. I'm not sure what to check for. I'm assuming that changing them is similar to changing an oil filter on a car? Someone else suggested plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor. What's the opinion on the right thing to do?
 
typical carbs have a porous stone filter on the carb, usualy right where the fuel line goes in. I'd start there. I'd also look at fuel pressure, if you have a mechanical fuel pump circa 1976, the diaphram may be so stiff it's not flexing at low speeds, and you're getting low fuel flow at idle . .

hope this helps.
 
Someone else suggested plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor.

How old are they?? Changing them is easy to do and fairly inexpensive.
 
Sorry - forgot to mention that we removed them and sent them out for cleaning before the season, so the carbs themselves should be OK.

Good advice Gene - I'll look there as well.

Thanks

Pat
 
As carbs had been removed, check for vacuum leaks where carbs were reinstalled. Make sure the bolts are tight. Hopefully, you got the gaskets on good - you did use ....
You can try squirting a couple of drops of light oil (like 3in1) around the carb attachments. If it is leaking the oil will be sucked in and the engine will smooth out temporarily.
 
Looks like it is a diaphragm at the bottom of one of them. Ordering a rebuild kit Thursday. Thanks for the help and enjoy the Fourth.

I'll be the one looking wistfully and waving at all the boats on the water . . .
 
That engine is the "real" Swedish engine instead of a GM engine, right??? Is it the one that just cantilevers out from the transom with no motor mount underneath???
 
It does appear to have motor mounts, so I'm guessing it may be the GM model. Volvo Penta model # 140B - 1976 with 280 penta stern drives.
 
just purchased items to replace plugs, wires, rotor & cap too . . . set of Volvo wires was $138!!! I was astounded!!!
 
Geez, I was hoping to be of some help by going on our Volvo online EPC system, but I'll be damned if I can figure anything out on there. That carburetor doesn't look familiar though. Does it perhaps say "Solex" anywhere on it. I think that would mean its a Volvo (Swedish) one. Otherwise it would be the GM 4cyl, but I don't think they made a 140HP 4 cyl in 1976. I could be wrong though - I just know enough about mechanics to be dangerous...
 
Thanks for researching Pete. You're a big help. It does appear to be the GM model. I've not found 'Solex' on the carbs anywhere. When I ordered the rebuild kits, they referenced GM as well as Volvo.

I was able to rebuild almost all the way, but got held up as someone previously put a hurting on one of the screws and completely stripped it. Now I have to go buy a screw extractor kit and new screws to replace. Hopeful to get up there Friday and get her back together. Red dock, #23 if you're looking for entertainment / comedy!!!

Up in Racine, WI near the largest Marina on Lake Michigan this week - I can't get away from boats and I can't get out on them!!! My Uncle says BOAT is an acronym for Break Out Another Thousand!!!! If this doesn't work, the hands go up in the air and the experts are called in!!!

Thanks again for the help . . .

Pat
 
ALL RIGHT!!!! It worked!!!

Now the batteries are dead . . . . ugh . . . always something.

Heading out today, so hopefully all systems are go!!!

Thanks to all for the help.
 
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