I Need help getting my outboard to run right?

Question

I have an 12.0 hp Sea king that is from the late 60's. This is the first outboard I have ever owned, it didnt come with a manual. It runs but it is ruff running, do I need to add oil to the gas and if so what is the mixture that I need to make it the model # is GG8971A. Any help would be appreciated

Answer 1

....sea king is/was made for sears.....first... change plug....get a can of carb cleaner and spray inside and out....check/clean air filter.... a ratio of 30 to one should be safe... if its blowing blue smoke cut back to 40 to one..and so on

Answer 2

here's the thing about carb cleaners and two-stroke engines...

as you know, 2-strokes get their lubrication from the fuel.  carb cleaner has no lubricating qualities, but it is an excellent solvent.

anything sprayed down the carb throat of a 2-stroke outboard goes straight into the cylinders, where it strips the oil right off the walls.

if you wouldn't run your motor without oil, don't run it on carb cleaner.

outboard carbs are amazingly simple devices, yours probably has two circuits, adjustable slow-speed jet, and the fixed jet might be fixed.  A bowl, a float with valve, needle & seat.

take it apart & soak it, find the right kit for it.  you'll be glad you did.

somebody over on the repair forums at http://forums.iboats.com will be able to hook you up with a manual

30:1 is probably safe until you find out for sure.  you could go as rich as 24:1 if you wanted.