1971 Merc 50hp fuel prob?

[KevinF]

Hi folks,<br /><br />I have a 1971 Merc 500, 50 hp 4cyl #3241445. It's getting fire to all 4 cyl's but won't start. I can prime the cyl's with starting fluid and it will start and run for just a few seconds. I just bought the motor(and boat). My guess is that it has not been running for a few years. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Kevin

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: 1971 Merc 50hp fuel prob?

Start by buying a genuine mercury manual-NOT one of the generic ones that cover the whole range.Do a compression test to check if the motor's worth spending time on.Then try stripping and cleaning the carbs and checking the fuel pump.<br /><br />Incidentally, are you new to outboards?<br /><br />if you are, it's easier to start with the throttle open on the cold start lever. My 50 won't even fire from cold without it but starts within 3 revolutions with it open halfway. It's up to you to determine quite how far you need it open.<br /><br />Hope that helps!