hersheym63
Recruit
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2007
- Messages
- 1
I have an '88 Merc 50 hp outboard (3 cyl, 2 carbs) that appears to have been well maintained (seller had all service records etc.). The oil injection has been disconnected. The carbs were rebuilt in 2004. I took it out once last fall and it ran strong at throttle up but then would stall when I throttled down, or would stall at idle and be difficult to restart. A few weeks ago I brought it to to a Mercury dealer who after checking it out only said it needed new fuel lines and primer bulb. He checked compression and spark in all 3 cylinders - all good, and said the carbs were clean and did not need rebuild. He also tested it for 1/2 hr. at a lake with no problems. I took it out this weekend and had the same stalling problems I experienced last fall, except the last time it stalled I could not get it restarted at all! On the water, it appeared to be getting spark and fuel. Pulled it out of the water and the next day I was able to get it to run again after spraying a little fuel in the carbs to prime. I called the dealer back who insists that nothing is wrong with the engine--he said I may have "loaded" up the carbs by excessive running at low speeds (when trolling). I know you have to periodically rev up these motors to avoid that situation.
Could my oil mixture be a little too rich (I used slightly over 16 oz of Mercury oil for 6 gallons of gas, plus added 1 oz of gas treatment recommended by the dealer. Could the spark be preset but weak? Any advice would be welcome! Thanks!
Could my oil mixture be a little too rich (I used slightly over 16 oz of Mercury oil for 6 gallons of gas, plus added 1 oz of gas treatment recommended by the dealer. Could the spark be preset but weak? Any advice would be welcome! Thanks!
