The Fix Is In!

We really rely on our dinghy. So getting the engine fixed was very important. We couldn't even raise the recommended outboard repair shop on the radio on Monday morning. We're getting a bit desperate.
Chris insists we try one guy we know is available. I think being readily available is a bad sign. Plus he has no parts inventory and I just do not have any confidence in this guy.
But Chris likes him, thinks he's handsome and charming. So what the heck, lets him give it a try. It's only money, right?

Here he is at work on the dinghy engine on the back deck of S/V Freedom

Here we can see him hard at work on the engine. We can also see why Chris was so enamored with him. Smart, funny, charming and damn good looking, eh?

AND, miracle of miracles, he fixed the dinghy engine!! It runs great! What a guy! Chris is sooo smart.

Maybe he can fix the Honda generator too!

Reality: I posted my problem to a few online forums. Got some good tips to check for fuel line leaks and that the float was level. I pulled the carb and noticed some wetness on the fuel lines. So there was some leaking at the fuel line connections. Pulled out some better hose clamps from my hose clamp inventory (plastic shoe box full of hose clamps) and changed the clamps. The float was sitting just a bit off level so I finessed it into a level position. Cleaned the needle valve again and blew compressed air through the needle seat.
The engine runs very good...for now. The long term prognosis is TBD.

Thankfully were we are, we do have open wifi we can use. It's very sporadic but like most things aboard, we make it work.