Starts, but wont run

[TillamookB2]

My 1959 Merc 55A will start perfectly, but wont run for more than a few seconds. I had it last about ten seconds at its best. I haven't tried the throttle yet, because the boat is in my driveway with the motor in a 55gal drum full of water.
So far it seems like this is the only motor problem. Any ideas? Someone suggested cleaning out the fuel strainer screen, but I have no idea where it is.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: Starts, but wont run

Because it will fire and run even for a few seconds shows that the focus should be on the fuel. a fuel line restriction should be eliminated first then inspect the fuel pump (if it has one) and the carbs.

 

[TillamookB2]

Re: Starts, but wont run

So, I've been able to get it to run for about ten seconds at a time. Once its been fired up a few times, it sounds great. But, it wont stay running. I've given it a bit of throttle, but it doesn't help.

The squeeze-bulb fuel line from the tank to the motor seems to be just fine. The mesh strainer is pretty and clean, so its not a blockage there.

It sounds like its simply running out of gas, but the squeeze-bulb thing stays full of gas...

Any other ideas?

 

[j_martin]

Re: Starts, but wont run

So, I've been able to get it to run for about ten seconds at a time. Once its been fired up a few times, it sounds great. But, it wont stay running. I've given it a bit of throttle, but it doesn't help.

The squeeze-bulb fuel line from the tank to the motor seems to be just fine. The mesh strainer is pretty and clean, so its not a blockage there.

It sounds like its simply running out of gas, but the squeeze-bulb thing stays full of gas...

Any other ideas?

If you can keep it running by squeezing the bulb, then the fuel pump is bad.

Even if the pump is bad, the bulb will stay full.