Mercury 50hp 4 cylinder wont idle

[eightpointup]

Ok I have a Mercury 50hp 4 cylinder (I think its a 1982) It wont start without starting fluid and in order to maintain idle I have to keep it in neutralwith the throttle at least half open? As I try to back the throttle off it dies out?

Can anyone give me some suggestions on what to do? I would take it to the shop but turn around time is not good right now.

 

[Uxboat]

Re: Mercury 50hp 4 cylinder wont idle

Is there a squeeze bulb on the fuel line,if so give it a pump.Sounds like a fuel problem if it runs on starter fluid which is real bad for a 2 stroke as it has no lube in it.Also on the sides of the carbs there might be screens under the plastic fuel inlets.

 

[eightpointup]

Re: Mercury 50hp 4 cylinder wont idle

"It starts on starting fluid" It runs on the tank with bulb holding pressure but won't idle unless throttle is half open. The gas is old so my next step is to get new gas.

This is an engine I want to put on my current boat that has a 25hp Johnson, until today was running fine. Today the Johnson started acting stupid too.