1980 mercury 50hp carby

[Loafty]

I haven't started up motor for about 6 maths so thought better do it, I primed fuel and noticed fuel dripping out off motor so took cover off and looked at carby,as you can noticed in picture you can see the butterfly in carby, I have never touched carby from when I got the boat so am wondering if OK to run motor as is or if I have to get a part to cover up the butterfly ? I have no idea and would appreciate some advice please, thanks loafty

 

[Chris1956]

Take a look at the parts listing on a site such as crowleymarine. My '77 had a plastic grating over the carbs. It kept the large stuff like rodents out of the motor.

 

[Alumarine]

I had plastic grates on mine but ran it without them.

Some fuel can leak out of the carbs if you pump the bulb too much.
As long as that's the only time it leaks it should be fine.

 

[Loafty]

Thanks guys