78 Mercury 20hp will not start

[johzak]

I have a 20 hp Mercury engine that I can't get started. It seems to be getting gas because it drips from the housing if I keep trying to start it. I tried full, half and no choke. The spark plugs look ok and they are wet from the gasoil/. Any suggestions?

 

[OBJ]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

Moving to Merc/Mariner repair forum.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

Are you getting spark ?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

are you getting spark? if you are and the carbs are flooding. pull the plugs, disconect gas line, and try to start the engine without plugs, blow out the excess gas. install plugs, try to start without gas line. no go, now connect gas line, pump bulb until hard. try to start w/ no choke. if no go choke it and try two or three trys. then no choke . post back what happens when you do this. pay attention as to the carbs running over.

 

[johzak]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

That fixed it, but now it appears that the water pump isn't working. How would I check that?

 

[johzak]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

By the way, THANKS for your help.....

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: 78 Mercury 20hp will not start

If the water pump is not working the motor will overheat fast so be careful. remove the cowl and start the motor. If the exhaust cover plate gets hot, shut down quickly. If it stays cool, you might just have a plugged outlet on the telltale. Run a piece of wire or string-trimmer string up there to make sure it's clear. You can remove the tube from the top of the motor to make sure it is clear.