Merc 470 Carb Spacer

[saltydogjeff]

Question.... I bought a new carburetor. I previously bought a carburetor rebuild kit. I got the engine running with the new carburetor, but had issues after long runs with starting again. So, I decided to put a spacer in between the carb and the motor block. What I think was the spacer, was a composite style that only had two holes caddy corner, in lieu of 4. It was approximately 1/4" thick. So, I drilled two more holes, and put the spacer on the engine. I tried starting the engine up, but had starting problems. Is this the right spacer?

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Merc 470 Carb Spacer

Did you put gaskets on both sides of the spacer?

 

[saltydogjeff]

Re: Merc 470 Carb Spacer

No...

 

[saltydogjeff]

Re: Merc 470 Carb Spacer

I was thinking the material was soft enough to form a good seal with the engine block. I only put one between the spacer and carburetor.

 

[SDSeville]

Re: Merc 470 Carb Spacer

I am not familiar with that specific spacer, but most call for one on each side. If the seal is not good, that could make it hard to start and/or run poorly.

 

[saltydogjeff]

Re: Merc 470 Carb Spacer

I thought about machining one and putting gaskets on either side. I guess I can try a gasket to get it running and worry about machining one later? Got to run it awhile to understand what happens when it heats up.