85hp Merc 1980 slow power up

[mschmid]

When I put power on motor is taking long time to build up revs. Also some times I can only go quarter on the control arm as any further and the motor cuts out. I am new to boating and before I put into shop I would like an idea of what is going on. Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 85hp Merc 1980 slow power up

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />Sounds like you have some crud in your carbs. Those are a bugger to work on. Merc doesn't generally consider making it easy to fix what they build. So you'll have to take quite a bit apart just to get to them.<br /><br />You could also have an ignition problem. You may not have spark on all four. You might be wise to take it in and have it checked over, but get an estimate before they do any repairs. And HOLD them to it. Nothing sours a first time boater to boating worse than inheriting a bunch of motor problems on a used unit. Good luck.

 

[jimmbo]

Re: 85hp Merc 1980 slow power up

Just for your info, Mercury didn't make an 85hp in 1980. The years of the little 4 85hp were 1973, 74, 75, 76, and 77.