hard to start and dies while idling

[rsg1509]

My 1986 Mercury 115hp is having a hard time starting. I believe the starter might be going out, but another problem is that when the motor does start up it dies immediately. The only way I can get it to stay running is to gun it. Even then when I slow down it will die again. I think I need to screw or unscrew the screw connected to the gas intake. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.<br /><br />Scott

 

[jim dozier]

Re: hard to start and dies while idling

Go to the bottom of this web page and order a manual for your engine. Are you using proper start up procedures for a cold engine (Choke if the engine has one or primer if it has one)? Does the problem occur when the engine is warmed up? It sounds like the idle circuit is not adjusted correctly but it is also likely that the carb is due for a thorough cleaning/rebuild with emphasis on the idle circuit.