1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

[edh]

Hi Folks,
I have had this motor on my boat for the past past 20 yrs. The past 6-7 yrs have been a bit hectic so I've neglected it and left it for others to use. Now wife and I retired and motor is acting up. It's sluggish and hesitates. Starts OK.
I checked the fuel tanks and found a mess at the bottom so have cleaned them and suspect that the fuel filter (is there one?) will probably be clogged as well. I picked one up in Calgary at a boat place but the parts guy was not sure if this engine has a filter, said if there is one, this filter will work. Does this motor have a filter?
In addition it's very likely that the carbs are dirty so can anyone recommend a cleaner in a can.
I have never personally worked on the motor but want to give it a try as the dealer is 200 miles away. It would be nice to get the stuff together before taking the cover off.
Any tips on cleaning out the tanks would also be very helpfull.
Now that I'm retired I have to watch the bucks more carefully.

Thanks

 

[Plainsman]

Re: 1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

Welcome to iboats!!

I think your first investment would be a merc repair manual, it will save you money in the long run.

Not sure if your engine has a filter or not, but after you get your manual, a carb rebuild won't hurt and give you some piece of mind as well.

If priming the fuel bulb helps, then the fuel pump may need a new kit as well.

Hope that helps

 

[Scaaty]

Re: 1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

Yep, get a good manual. Then I would go through the whole fuel system...new fuel pump kits, make sure the lines are good, pull the carbs, get kits, and take apart and clean out the years of crud..clearner in a can only works on the carb when its on a bench... not on the motor.
Its a simple job with patience..any prob, ask...

 

[edh]

Re: 1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

Hi Folks,
Thanks for the replys. I will get the Manual. I'm going to take off the cover to see if there is a filter. I will get the carb kits.
I'll let you know what happens.

Ed

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

Ed, If you motor is anything like my inline six, you will find a black plastic cap with a phillips screw on the left front of the motor (under the cowling). The fuel line will run directly to it from the quick disconnect. It is the fuel screen, and needs to be cleaned.

If you have sidebowl carbs (carb bowls on the left side), there may be a screen in the carb bowl cover. Whne you disassemble them to clean 'em, look for it.

 

[edh]

Re: 1983 6cyl 115hp merc outboard.

Hi Folks,,
More great info,,thanks.
Havent got to the motor yet, wife insists that the cottage need staining. Spent the day 30 ft up with a can of Sikins Cetol 23 in one hand hanging on to a brush and the ladder with the other. I need three hands and a parachute.

Thanks again

Ed