1987 Mercury 60 HP

[marrambide]

Recently purchased my first boat, which I got to test drive out on the lake with the seller in tow showing me how to start it up, etc. Everything ran smoothly and was good to go. So, I go out by myself this past weekend and I can't get the motor to idle. I would push the throttle up a bit and choke and it would rev, but could never get it to stay on in the idle position. I figure its user error so wondering what I'm doing wrong here. its my first boat so forgive my stupidity. I know its one of those things that once I get the hang of it won't be a problem. thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[verado7]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

do you have the regular mercury controls with a fast idle lever and 1 large lever that controls forward /reserve and speed ?

 

[marrambide]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

So I've been messing around with the motor and I can get it in gear and it will go, propeller is spinning and everything. Its just when I pull back I can't get it to idle. Motor dies. Not sure what the issue is. Maybe the idle speed needs to be adjusted? Any help is appreciated. I've attached pictures of the motor and controls. Thanks!

 

[sxmerc]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

Sounds like you got water or some other contaminates in the carbs plugging the low speed circuit.

 

[marrambide]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

So i need to replace the carb altogether?

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

Why don't You just ask the Guy that you bought it from. POLITLELY. for some info.
That would be easier. Every motor has some quirks.

 

[marrambide]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

I did go over it with him. He didn't have any advice for me. He's been very forthcoming when I've called him, but he's got nothing. When I test drove it everything worked fine. Just trying to troubleshoot and looking for any advice anyone has.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

OK.
Is the gas tank portable? Or built into the boat?
Could be water in gas.
Gotta start with the basics.

 

[marrambide]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

portable. i'll check that out tomorrow. I'll pull the cover off and see if I can see anything leaking as well. thanks for all the help. don't mind fixing it up just want to know where to start troubleshooting. thanks again!

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

It could also be a linkage problem adjustment from the controller to the engine.??
Do yourself a favor. Buy an OEM Merc manual for that motor.
You probably need to replace the water pump impeller also.
Have you checked the lower end lube.
This has nothing to due with current problem.
just want you to know these are the things to check before going full bore on the lake.

 

[sxmerc]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

So i need to replace the carb altogether?

Nope. Just a complete disassembly, chemical soak and blast with compressed air outta do it. Once you open these fellas' up, I think your problem will be pretty obvious.

 

[marrambide]

Re: 1987 Mercury 60 HP

So, was messing around with it Saturday morning using the choke and throttling it up pretty high and it must have moved whatever was causing it to not idle because it's been ok for the fast two days and running well.
Figure it was either water in the tank or something to do with the carbs. Going to take all the advice given and do everything anyway. Doesn't hurt to that's for sure. thanks everyone for all the suggestions.