Merc 9.8 stalling problem

[Beef]

Hi everyone, I just bought a late '70s-early '80s Merc 110 9.8hp that is causing me a bit of grief. The engine usually runs fine but every now and then it'll just up and die- it's happenend at idle all the way to full throttle. Sometimes it will restart within 5 pulls other times I'm (actually, more my girlfriend) is stuck rowing for up to 2 hrs. The fuel tank is clean, fresh oil and gas. The one thing I have noticed is that sound proofing/ heat sheilding crap that is attatched to the inside of the engine cover has deteriorated and is loosing small bits of foam all over the carb and engine. Could this be my problem? Is it safe to pull all that foam off? I haven't taken the carb apart as I'm trying to find an exploded view so that I know where everything goes. Thanks and sorry for the long first post.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

Check to see how hot the engine is running.<br /><br />Is it pumping consistant water from the telltail?<br />TMD

 

[Beef]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

Thanks TMD, it isn't running overly hot and a constant flow of water is being pumped out.

 

[Beef]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

Do ya all think it would be O.K. to pull all that foam off?

 

[Just Jed]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

The foam is just a sound barrier. If it is deteriorated to the point that you say it is then it isn't even good for that any more. Little bits of that sucked into the carb will definatly give you head aches.

 

[jasonballard]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

I have the exact same engine and I tell you what I do. It should work for yours because I still must do it on mine and it has almost no hours on it. <br />First. When engine is cold, pull choke and prime bulb until stiff. pull until it fires. (it should fire on thwe first pull). after it fires. push choke it and runit.<br /><br />If the engine is warm and I try to start it, there is a trick to it. you must kill it in the "start" position. if not and it doesnt fire, then do not pull on the cord any MORE, it will not start I dont care how many time you pull on it. Simply repeat step One

 

[Beef]

Re: Merc 9.8 stalling problem

Thank Catfishking, but most of the time I get no warning that its goning to stall so I can't often let it die in the start position. I have already tried the choke idea; its hit and miss- sometimes it works other times I'm SOL. I found a service manual for it - should I rip into the carb?