Mercury mariner 25 m start problem

[unidenscan]

Hello to all, My 1997 Mariner 25m seems to have developed a starting problem. The last 2 seasons I have owned the motor, it has started on the second pull, no problems. At the end of last season when I stored my boat, I did not disconnect the fuel hose, and somehow the vent on the gas tank got closed. So on a hot day when I went to wash down my boat, I noticed the gas tank had swollen dramatically, so I opened the top of tank, and disconnected from the motor. Now the motor will not start. The only way to start motor is to remove spark plug, drop in 1/2 cup of fuel, and she start right up and runs fine. Next day it will not run.

What did I break???? My first guess is the fuel primer pump needs rebuild?

If anyone can help, please let me know.
Thanks, Rob

 

[unidenscan]

Re: Mercury mariner 25 m start problem

Can some one help me out with this? I think its a simple problem, I just don't want to rip the motor apart to find the simple fix.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Mercury mariner 25 m start problem

you have a simple very varnished up carb. gas over the winter has dried up in it and turned to varnish. simple fix is to remove the carbs, clean completely, all jets, and reassemble with a carb kit, readjust any linkage disturbed.