Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

[Johnfromfla]

She booooooooogs out of the hole. I have to feather the controls forward and backward and then she kinda goes after the long hesitation. When I get her tached up to 4K and go to give her more throttle she stalls.<br /><br />I took it to an authorized Merc dealer and he said I had to big a prop which was a 10"x16pitch. It had the same behavior as above, but would tach up to 4500K, and going 35mph.<br /><br />Dealer said I needed a 12"x10pitch. It tachs out at 5500K now, but I'm only @ 3/4 throttle, and doing a blinding 24mph.<br /><br />The boat is a 16ft Carolina Skiff.<br /><br />I tryed:<br /><br />1. 4 different tanks of gas.<br />2. 2 differesnt gas tanks.<br />3. 2 different primer bulbs, all primer bulbs were hard.<br />4. 3 different gas tank fittings.<br />5. I removed the 3 carbs, took em apart and they are all CLEAN, yes I'm sure...<br />6. 3 sets of spark plugs.<br />7. 1 new fuel filter<br />8. Yes, I'm sure the gas tanks were all vented.<br />9. Dealer checked the idle setting, and they were on the spot.<br />10. Plugs seem to be getting fouled especially when I trolled around today at 1600RPM. The were wet and black. Set prior to that looked as they should... GOOD<br />11. All three cylinders are firing..<br /><br /><br />My thoughts are that the float levels are off? Anybody know what the float setting is? <br /><br />Any other ideas?<br /><br /><br />Thanks...

 

[Scali]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

funky fuel pump maybe ?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

If I read your post correctly you are dealing with two separate issues. The first being an engine that is not running right and the second being a boat/motor performance issue.<br /><br />If the motor is NEW, take it back to the dealer and let them fix the problem.<br /><br />As for the prop, 10" x 16 does sound a bit long for that boat. You might be better off with a 10" x 13 pitch. Fix the motor first then deal with the prop.

 

[Johnfromfla]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

I purchased the motor in a different state. I know live in Florida. The 2004 motor is under warrantee. The Florida Merc dealer says that carb issues, such as cleaning the carbs is not under warranty. So, $75 an hour adds up fast. The motor has maybe 3 to 4 hours on it and it never ran correct.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

Maybe I'm way off base but I would think that a motor still under warranty that is or has not been running correctly should be covered by the dealers. In what state you bought the motor should be irrelevant. You bought the motor WITH a warranty from Mercury. Mercury should look after their product.<br /><br />

The motor has maybe 3 to 4 hours on it and it never ran correct.

If it was me I'd be in their face until they took care of the problem. If the local dealer is unwilling to support the product its time to find someone you can depend on. Perhaps its time to contact Merc head office and speak with customer service. Don't know if you will get anywhere but there is no way I would accept the fact they don't think it is their problem. It is !!! <br /><br />If you have resigned yourself to fixing the motor yourself then I would recommend the first thing to do would be buy a FACTORY service manual. That, along with the expert knowledge on these forums will get you back on the water.<br /><br />I had a similar problem where the motor would hesitate and sputter when trying to accelerate after prolonged idle (trolling) and it was the float level adjustments that was at fault. I also noticed that if I ran the motor in a trimmed up position for a period of time (shallow water) then dropped the motor back down it would sputter and cough and run rough for awhile before it smoothed back out. The one float level was off by 1/4" !!! and the other by about 1/8". I also suffered from plug fouling after short periods of idling (30 minutes) and I was able to adjust the idle mixture setting to correct that problem. Motor runs like a champion now. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Scali]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

I think your dealers full of ****z, I'm pretty sure he fixes for free under warranty, carb issue or whatever, call merc

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

Mercury will not reimbuse a dealer for adjustments the selling dealer should have made.And no! water in the carb is not a warrentee issue.<br /><br />But a motor that has never run right from day one deserves an explanation.Tell your 'dealer' you want a factory rep to look at your motor.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Scali]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

he had the carbs taken off & cleaned, gas tank cleaned it's got to be another issue thats hopefully covered by warranty..<br />Geeze if a warranty doesnt cover this what good are they ?

 

[Johnfromfla]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

Imagine how I feel being the poor schmuck with problem. Whatabout a stator they seem to be an issue with mercs...

 

[cistn]

Re: Why does my NEW 40HP Merc run like shizit? Majorly bummed!

I have the exact boat with a 99 30 hp 4 stroke and i have the exact problem,,,had the boat in the water maybe 6 hrs now,,,stalls when i back of the throttle,,stalls when i power up to speed if i get on it,,,if i feather it, it has mixed results, sometime I can hit almost 20 MPH other time 10 to 15. I will try changing out the plugs, but my first thought are float issues, i have no idea how to adjust them. if you figure the problem out please send me a quick note, after just spending $6500.00 I do think $75.00 an hour is inappropriate to fix the issue either.send em line if you figure it out and i'll do the same. have good day cistn@cox.net