2008 Mercury 50 HP 2 Stroke Issues

[tom4ford]

Very hard to start and troll just above idle speed. After about 2500 RPM runs great. Almost always have to open the neutral throttle to make it start up. In other words low speed running problems . I feel like the engine has very low hours or appears to anyway. Spent 450 at local boat shop including plugs , clean carbs etc. Have tried Seafoam in the gas and non ethanol fuel. Any suggestions or advice would be great. Many thanks

 

[QBhoy]

Do a compression test on it. Will tell a story, I’m sure. One way or the other. How’s your 2 stroke oil mix ?

 

[wn6ngp]

I had a similar problem with a 90hp 2Str '99 that was caused by a thermostat that was stuck open, when I slowed down the motor cooled down and would die at idle unless I choked it periodically. It would warm up enough at high speed.