1970 merc 500 carb problem i think???

[troubledboatdude]

i have a 1970 merc 500 50 hp that when i got it 1 week ago run great in neutral and good at idle in gear and great at wot, now it wont go other than at idle in gear or in neutral. ive checked and there is great spark at all 4 great compression (top120 psi,2nd 120 psi,3rd 120psi,4th 122 psi)if i really feather it and tap the choke a few times every couple mins i can get it wot but lacks guts. if any one has some advice it would be greatly appreciated as idont want to rebuild the carbs and still have the same problem... thank you

 

[Fuzzytbay]

Re: 1970 merc 500 carb problem i think???

When you took it out, was it with new gas? I am not sure if it was your first time out this season, but if you used old gas, or if you didn't run out last years fuel, you may have gotten the carbs dirty. You could try re adjusting the low speed jets, but my money is on a carb cleaning.

 

[troubledboatdude]

Re: 1970 merc 500 carb problem i think???

i used new gas , but i do believe the gentelman i bought it from doesnt believe in new gas if it was in the tank from last yr he figured it was good to go...lol...ty for the response i didnt want to do the carbs and be stuck again ...i will try the carbs and let you know how it goes...it may be a couple weeks as i am low on money but i will let you know