1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

Oldsaltydog

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
322
Starts easily, idles fine, runs really well, except it sometimes stalls while running in gear at around 1100-1200 rpm, and the primer bulb usually goes soft. But it will start right up after the bulb is primed. Seems like a fuel starvation issue. Any suggestions? (Cleaned carbs, new fuel filter, new plugs, and rebuilt fuel pump.)
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

Silly thing to say, but have you checked that the tank vent is open?
 

Oldsaltydog

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
322
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

Yes, it's open. Thanks for responding.
 

bryanredfish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
182
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

Sounds like the low idle jets are clogged. May be time for a carb job.
 

2springers26

Seaman
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
63
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

primer ball& fuel pump update need to be done on ALL motors Built 2000 & older....( new fuel arre effecting old style parts) if your carbs are Clean do the fp & p ball update....
 

Wellcraft 89

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 5, 2002
Messages
158
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

2springers,do you want to fill us in on what your saying.is there a service bulletin on this?????<br /><br />Rich
 

2springers26

Seaman
Joined
May 18, 2004
Messages
63
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

I'Ve attended many mercury training schools in the past 4 years.. the # 1 preach Is primer ball & fuel pump update... all Motors Built 2000 & older Should have the new primer balls( yellow rib on it)& square fuel pumps rebuild with new Kits... the new fuels of today are eating the rubber parts... fp// check valves are now clear plastic not rubber... I probbly find 5-10 boats a week that are Not laying flat... Most comon complains run ruff.. seems to flood, won't idle... If the valves are not flat... That cyl will flood.. for less than $25.00 In parts it well worth the update...
 

Oldsaltydog

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
322
Re: 1998 Mercury 90HP Stalling at Slow Speeds

Thanks 2springers26 for your reply. I have already rebuilt the fuel pump -- including the clear plastic check valves. And I will certainly buy a new primer bulb!
 
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