Dumb question...Would old/bad/contaminated/poorly mixed gas ran in a 1975 Merc 7.5 cause operation (or lack thereof) that mimicks bad compression or a dirty carb? Let me rephrase that...Can anyone give me a list of variables to check before having to go grab the tool box and start taking things apart? I don't want to tear the whole thing apart looking for problems if I don't have to! My local boat dealers will inevetably try to sell me a new motor if I take a 31 year-old motor in for repair. Previous owner says it has over 6000 hours on it, but in doing the math it has high 2000s at the most. Previous owner seemed to think the "coil packs" (his words) are shot, but the previous owner probably can't find the oil plug on his own car (and neither can I). Previous owner wanted a new boat and this engine failure was a good excuse for "the boss" in my opinion. I am fairly mechanically enclined and willing to do the work myself if this motor will run reliably for a few more seasons, but if I can avoid taking everything apart for now I will. I will say this...the carb has never been cleaned (although it was replaced 10 YEARS ago), and except for the times when problems came up in the past, the only preventative maintainence the previous owner performed was (1) Run the motor out of gas after every fishing trip + a few pulls, and (2) change the water pump impeller every spring before starting the motor (aside from buying new gas, and new plug). In short, I just want to see if the darned thing works before I go out and buy a bunch of tools, although I'm betting hard on the carb at this point, and I'm trying to avoid going to a mechanic if I can fix it myself. I know this looks like an idiotic post so please spare me the idiot replys. What I really need is (1) any useful info as to what I can check before taking it apart, and (2) Useful info on how to clean the carb without buying an air compressor!<br /><br />Anything at all will help.<br />Thanks.
