Motor is leaking gas and wont start

[carlito_xl]

I have a 2001 4 storke Mercury 15hp tiller model. I used last week and it ran great. I tried starting it up this week and nothing happend. I tried pulling the cord and it looked like gas would come out every time and the engine would not start. When I pulled out the motor cover it looked like there was a little bit of gas in it. So is it a gas line break or is it the card, and what is my next step?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

Can you get the fuel bulb hard? squeeze with cowling off and look for gas leaking around the carb. Could be a bad needle valve and or seat in the carb

 

[carlito_xl]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

no the gas bulb doesnt get hard.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

When you pump the bulb does gas come out the carb? If gas dont come out the carb it is probably the bulb. If it comes out the carb it is probably the needle valve in the carb is not sealing. Try removing the fuel hose going to the carb. Pinch the end closed with a pliers (might want to wear safety glasses) and pump bulb. If it gets hard it is more than likely your carb. If not replace the bulb and fuel line. <br />Replace all the fuel line including the bulb and use good quality fuel clamps. Also check the disconnect and verify the o ring is in good shape. Make sure tank vent is open and retest. If it dont get hard first verify you have the bulb going the right direction. If still no good rebuild the fuel pump and the carb. Total cost to do all this is around fifty bucks

 

[carlito_xl]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

Thank you for your reply

 

[StarCraft77]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

I have the exact same motor and problem. I'm just wondering if a needle and seat is something I can fix myself. The horizontally positioned valve at the top of the carb looks pressed into the carb body, like I could never get that out. Also I pried at it with a pointed tool and may have damaged a small brass portion that was showing. Last time the needle was stuck, I rapped on it with wood and it worked. Any suggestions about whether to tackle removing the carb myself?

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

Try tapping the bowl before doing anything else. Sometimes a needle and float will hang up if the motor is placed in a different position, and a small tap gets it loose and seating properly.

 

[StarCraft77]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

Thanks, I'll try that tonight.

 

[kdavis0203]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

I have a very similar problem with a '95 Merc 115. The bulb does get hard and I have not noticed any leaks as I pump the bulb. I can see the fuel filling the filter and there is a lot of gas (around 1/8 cup)that is inside and eventually leaks out to the ground. <br /><br />This all started after a rough ride across the lake and ideling for about 5 minutes before turning it off to fish. <br /><br />Could this be the carb?

 

[StarCraft77]

Re: Motor is leaking gas and wont start

JasonJ, I tapped the bowl with no luck. Yesterday I pulled the carb out and examined the needle and seat, not really finding any obvious problems or particles. It's a rubber-tipped needle and after wiping off the tip and swabbing the seat with a q-tip, put it back together. When I blow into the fuel supply fitting, it seems to hold pressure. Does anyone know how the seat is removed? It doesn't have a screwdriver slot nor hex wrench config. It's just smooth, round brass. Do you squeeze with vice-grips and twist it out??