good idle no power

adame

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Sep 13, 2009
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i just got a 20 hp mercury, it starts idles well, but when in gear (or reverse) it has very little power.
 

Yepblaze

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Jun 1, 2001
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1,686
Re: good idle no power

does the motor "race" while trying?

or does it just lack enough ooomph to try?
 

adame

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Sep 13, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

dosn't seem to rev up much more then an idle speed
 

Yepblaze

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Re: good idle no power

Maybe it's only running on one cylinder, can you check that?

Spark on two plugs?

Or check the compression?
 

sealight

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Jan 19, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

if you have replaced the spark plugs and still have the same defect you have to check the ignition system (timing) and then the carb (if it is 2 stroke)
and the last is to check cylinder compression it may be bollow the spec.
 

adame

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Re: good idle no power

both plugs spark, has compression don't see any fuel leaks, hose looks pretty new. How do you check timing, done it on a car but never outboard
 

sealight

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Jan 19, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

both plugs spark, has compression don't see any fuel leaks, hose looks pretty new. How do you check timing, done it on a car but never outboard

In some outboard engines the ignition timing is by adjusting the stator with flywheel mark if available(you have to check) this will balance the advance and retard position with BTDC and must be within the spec.


If you are using the engine for trolling with low RPM and you did not tried full throttle for long period it may be that the exhaust ports are reduced/blocked due to carbon deposits and will affect the engines performance
 

Yepblaze

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1,686
Re: good idle no power

both plugs spark, has compression don't see any fuel leaks, hose looks pretty new. How do you check timing, done it on a car but never outboard


How much compression?
 

adame

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Sep 13, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

had it out with a friend, he pushed the choke half closed and it picked up alot more, so probably carb right?
 

sschefer

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Nov 13, 2008
Messages
4,530
Re: good idle no power

Probably the fuel filter or maybe fuel pump. Closing the choke reduces air flow and richens the mix without adding any additional fuel. Check the easy stuff first.. Fuel Filter. If it's good then try squeezing the bulb while its running. If it improves then I would rebuild the fuel pump, it's easy and cheap. If that fails to fix the problem then rebuild the carb or run some SeaFoam through it according to the mixing instructions on the can.
 

sealight

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Jan 19, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

I agree with Mr. sschefer & Mr. Fuzzytbay. Also inspect the fuel lines and joints from the fuel tank up to the carb for loose installation /blockage
 

adame

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Sep 13, 2009
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Re: good idle no power

finally got it, there was a bad piece of line behind the starter, not sure what it's for but it was spraying a fine mist of fuel. (don't know how I missed it before) replaced it everythings great now. Thanks for the help.
 
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