1973 Merc 50 HP

[carpedebass]

I have a '73 Mercury 500 50 HP outboard. The boat is fairly new to me, as I have only had it about a month. During this month, I have had it on the water 4 times. The first two times, no problems. Just a little cold natured. I would prime the bulb and have a little trouble getting her to start at first but once she started, she ran great all day. Never even had to reprime the bulb. The third time, slow start, but I noticed that water wasn't coming out of the telltale at idle but was at higher speeds. I also noticed that when I pushed her to full throttle, she would take a minute to get there. It's like she had to "catch up" with herslef. After that outing, I replaced the water pump impeller, but still no joy on the muffs. However, at more than idle, she spits water fine. I also noticed on the 4th outing that the bulb won't build pressure and there is gas leaking out of the front of the motor. She will run, but she's running very lean and has little power. Please help me out with this. I am not a mechanic, but do have some minor proficiency with a wrench. I am ordering a service manual, but what could these problems be? Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1973 Merc 50 HP

With fuel running out of the front of the engine it sounds like a stuck inlet needle, and the carbs need to be cleaned, some of the older 50s the hose to the telltale has a sharp bend in it and after the years of service are starting to pinch off and act that way it takes a little throttle to get enough pressure to push by the kink--Bob

 

[carpedebass]

Re: 1973 Merc 50 HP

If the water lines are pinched, will it hurt to run it? It was idling and peeing fine the first two trips out. I also neglected to mention one minor detail in my first post. When I dropped the L/U, I noticed there is no seal where the copper tube fits down into the water pump. Is there supposed to be a seal there? Could that be causing the telltale not to spit at idle? Where could it have gone?

 

[carpedebass]

Re: 1973 Merc 50 HP

Hello?

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1973 Merc 50 HP

You need to put a grommet on the water line or your losing pressure

 

[carpedebass]

Re: 1973 Merc 50 HP

Thanks!