1981 7.5 merc dies when put in gear

[nickb911]

I had trouble earlier this year. Cleaned and rebuilt carb. Did not replace float or needle though.
Last time out: several times died at WOT after about 3-4 minutes, then would restart. Also slight surging.
This time: new gas/oil mix and new plugs (properly gapped) Ran fine in test tank. Got to the lake: Very hard to start (10-20 pulls) Finally starts, then dies if shifted into gear. After that will not start at all. Fuel is dripping from air intake at the front of the carb. Primer bulb is firm.
I did hit a stump/log previously, could this be the cause?

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1981 7.5 merc dies when put in gear

You cleaned the carb. it was not rebuilt, when doing repairs it is important to get terminology correct. Did you clean the tank and flush the hose, you could have additional dirty in the carb. if you did not. Get a inlet needle for the carb and recheck it for cleanlyness install the needle and check the float height. Then install a OEM fuel pump kit as they come with new check valves and aftermarket don't. Do the repair and it should run fine again.

 

[nickb911]

Re: 1981 7.5 merc dies when put in gear

Ah, I see what you mean about rebuilding vs. cleaning. I'll try those things and post my results. Thanks!

PS, how do I flush the hose?

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1981 7.5 merc dies when put in gear

The simplest way is use a phillips screwdriver and depress the ball and pump fresh fuel through it or remove the end and pump the fuel.