Hi
I have just bought a seagull as part of a job lot of a small yacht & (rubber) dinghy. It started second time but seems to run a bit roughly. So first thing first: the code stamped on it is F (stamped above the rest of the serial no) 1453JJ5 - I think this makes it a Forty Featherweight built in June 1975 - is this correct? I cannot find a choke, reverse, clutch or stop button/lever. Is this correct or do I need to look harder? Given that it appears to have been fairly well looked after, I guess it might have been converted to 1:25 - how would I find out?
As far as the running goes, it seems a bit lumpy with lots of vibration. When I get to full throttle some of the lumpyness disappears and the sound changes from a grumble/burble to a higher pitched buzz - I take it that is what it should sound like? Getting to full throttle is a bit trial and error - when advancing the throttle sometimes the engine slows and dies. Advancing the throttle very slowly seems to help. A couple of times when running at full throttle the engine just died, but started again first pull. I'm fairly sure there is nothing major wrong, but would appreciate a few pointers to getting her running a bit smoother and reliably.
Many thanks!
New Owner - Questions!
Moderators: John@sos, charlesp, Charles uk, RickUK, Petergalileo
...well a flap on the carb entrance!Most of your queries will be aswered by reference to the website.
A diagram of the Villiers carb will locate the choke for you.
There is info on there about the different needles for 10:1 vs 25:1 which you can distinguish by a number on the needle Youll need a magnifier or good eye sight.
The difference between the grumpy burble and the smooth buzz maybe theat it is tending to 4stroke. A rich mixture will cause that so maybe it has not been converted to 25:1. but if you have not found the choke you probably still have the choke in!
(I have a featherweight of a similar age. I have converted it to 25:1 and I have had to screw the needle down well below the normal setting (>2.5 turns) to stop it four stroking.)
I suggest you get a copy of the operating instructions.
A diagram of the Villiers carb will locate the choke for you.
There is info on there about the different needles for 10:1 vs 25:1 which you can distinguish by a number on the needle Youll need a magnifier or good eye sight.
The difference between the grumpy burble and the smooth buzz maybe theat it is tending to 4stroke. A rich mixture will cause that so maybe it has not been converted to 25:1. but if you have not found the choke you probably still have the choke in!
(I have a featherweight of a similar age. I have converted it to 25:1 and I have had to screw the needle down well below the normal setting (>2.5 turns) to stop it four stroking.)
I suggest you get a copy of the operating instructions.