How to Remove Water From a Small Outboard Motor Carburetor

Water in the carburetor is a serious problem. While it may seem that gravity and an upside-down motor will resolve the issue, the only comprehensive solution is to treat the carburetor and the engine with chemicals that absorb water and then to disassemble the carburetor and further treat the carburetor separately.

Things You'll Need

  • Spark plug wrench
  • Alcohol
  • Engine oil
  • 1/4-inch socket
  • Screwdriver
  • Shallow pan
  • Carburetor cleaner
  • Carburetor rebuild kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the spark plugs from the motor, using a spark plug wrench.

    • 2

      Lay the engine on one side, so the spark plug bores are facing downward. Turn the flywheel by hand as you pour methyl alcohol into the carburetor throat.

    • 3

      Turn the engine over so the spark plug bores face upward. Pour alcohol into the spark plug bores while you turn the flywheel by hand.

    • 4

      Turn the outboard over once more, so the spark plug bores face down, and pour engine oil into the carburetor throat as you rotate the flywheel.

    • 5

      Disconnect the quick-connect connector on the fuel supply line to the carburetor. Drain the fuel line.

    • 6

      Remove the four 1/4-inch bolts holding the carburetor in place, using a socket. Lift the carburetor from the engine.

    • 7

      Remove the two screws holding the float bowl in place, using a screwdriver. Remove the float bowl and the gasket from the carburetor body.

    • 8

      Remove the hinge pin to remove the float. Remove the inlet needle. Remove the idle mixture screw and its spring.

    • 9

      Remove all non-metal parts from the carburetor. Pour carburetor cleaner into a shallow pan, and wash the metal parts in a bath of the cleaner.

    • 10

      Reassemble the carburetor using the new gaskets from a carburetor rebuild kit.