Re: Mercury outboard blues
Hmmm sounds like fuel supply. .when sputtering try the primer bulb..has it lost its prime..? Ensure tank has its air supply opened..
when sputtering try pumping the primer bulb..
That's first. .
Second is the carb adjusted so it can idle down ?
IMO sounds like fuel supply issue..
good luck
Watch out for the grizzlies..
Srupp
Re: Mercury outboard blues
#1 change the plug if you haven't already ... cheapest , easiest fix ever . Same for the filter .... sitting is hard on stuff . If still not running right , take the carb off and clean the jets .
Re: Mercury outboard blues
Gummed up carb, maybe crap in the needle/seat. Give it a bath in carb cleaner. Could also add some Sea Foam to a tank of fuel, acts as a cleaner.
Re: Mercury outboard blues
My 2005 Merc did the same thing. It was a small crack in the rubber primer plunger. Bought a new one, problem solved.
Re: Mercury outboard blues
You might want to consider the complete new fuel line assembly - new quick connects, bulb and hoses. Hoses get brittle and the inner liner can separate and restrict. Replace it all then you don't second guess. You can even pick up a new tank at Riverview in Abbotsford for $25 or $30 - something like that.
Plugs need changing.
Carb cleaning as last resort unless this is no problem for you. This vintage of Merc is easy to work with.
Re: Mercury outboard blues
unless stipulated, use regular octane fuel, the motor compression and timing are made for it.
Check if carb and lines are ethanol friendly
Could run some SeaFoam through it but that may cause more troubles than it fixes.
Re: Mercury outboard blues
Had same problem with my 9.9 Johnston. Fuel pump had a crack in it. Replaced it all ok now.
Re: Mercury outboard blues
Might also want to look at changing the impeller in the future. When they sit they dry out and engine stops cooling properly. If you watch the short video, You can see a difference between new and old impellers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbWPOSR6OQU
Re: Mercury outboard blues
All good suggestions so far. Reminds me I have to install that fuel pump diaphragm kit I bought this summer.
If it sat for years there is probably a pretty good chance you have a nasty buildup in the carb so Seafoam might be a good idea. I use Seafoam because I read on here years ago that it is a miracle cure. Not sure if it ever really helped but it sure makes a smokey nasty mess when you squirt it into the carb.