Carb bowl won't seal.

[jettymaster]

Hello, I own a Mercury Classic 50 45 hp outboard. I recently cleaned out the bowls on my carbs, replaced the gaskets but can't seem to get them to seal(Gas leaking out the top). I'm pretty sure they go on dry, but do I possibly need to take out the gasket after every attempt and dry it, or does this sound like a float/needle problem? Thank you for any help!

 

[dmessy]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

Your bowl must go on in the same position that it was before removal. A little late now but the savey wrench scribes a mark across the body of the carb where the float bowl attaches. Just realine the marks and you'er good to go. Now you have to do the trial /error method. Slip in your new gasket making sure BOTH mateing surfaces are clean( ie- no old gasket mat. stuck to either) and go at it. When its right, mere hand pressure will seal it. Good luck...

 

[jettymaster]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

Thanks ...I've tried it a couple more times and used the old gasket as a guide and still can't seem to get it.... I checked the float by holding it up and squeezing the gas prime, and it seems to shut the gas off when it is a bit higher than level..Is this right?? Thanks again... Headache in Florida!!

 

[Big Al1]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

I've got a '64 Merc 60 and I believe my carb has an exhaust opening in the float bowl. If you pump too much gas into the carb it will spray out the exhaust. Does your engine run for a few seconds and die?

 

[dmessy]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

Your float level sounds about right, should be fine unless you've bent it in reassembly. Short of playing with it myself( which is hard to do through the keyboard) I can only recommend a look in the manual for guidance. If you don't have one, a trip to the library would be in order. Good luck...

 

[12Footer]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

Jettymaster. The bowls on these carbs (and many others) are so thin,that they bend at the bottom, where the bolt goes thru them,and threaded to the body. <br />This will sometimes keep the mating surfaces from forming and adequate amount of compression together,thus, a leak at the seal.<br />Take the bowl off, and turn it over. Does it appear "concave" around the hole?<br />If so, place it on a block of wood, right side up.<br />Take a screwdriver handle,and re-flatten this concaved area. Re-install,observing torque specs.

 

[jettymaster]

Re: Carb bowl won't seal.

Thanks all....Yes the bowl does appear to be worn and i will try it as soon as I receive the new gasket kit.....I ruined the fiber washers because the bottom was not flat{Just as suggested by 12footer}, but had to order the whole gasket kit because I couldn't find fiber washers anywhere in town!! i.e. Home Depot, Ace, Napa, Pepboys, Discount, 2 <br />marinas.....<br />Will let all know how it goes when I get the new kit..<br />Thanks Again!!!