UPDATE: over the weekend, I disassembled the carb and replaced the needle and seat. Bingo! This motor now runs as strong as any 18hp I have run. Idles super slow too.
Lesson learned: it’s not worth trying to save a few bucks by using old, existing parts. I won’t be making that mistake again.
Thanks for the advice on this one. I really appreciate all the tips!
Scott
I may pull the flywheel again to see if there is evidence of the laminations dragging, but no, the clicking is no longer there. I still plan to run it after sunset to see if there is arcing. Don’t have lights on my boat yet but need to get them before the boating season is over.
I do still hear the hissing coming from somewhere so i will have to try ben’s smoke trick.
But very happy with the way it ran yesterday! Woo hoo!
Scott
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