2000 Mercury (Tracker) 125 2+2 motor making gas slicks in idle

[Bass_o_matic]

Have had this rig for a few years. I know the 2+2 setup is not Mercury’s best design. But it’s reliable after a bit of work and a hotfoot. However, when I’m going slow or idling you can see the fuel dripping from the engine. I hate that. Only thing I can figure is the two cylinders not firing at idle are just dumping the unburnt fuel? Anybody else with this type motor have similar experiences?

 

[racerone]

All 4 sparkplugs fire all the time.------Only a wee bit of fuel goes into the bottom 2 cylinders at idle.----That is for lubrication and cooling.-----Find the leak on your motor.----I think something is leaking.----Check all hoses !

 

[Faztbullet]

Bleed line or fuel leak as Racer said

 

[Texasmark]

Ever replaced your fuel lines? Running ethanol, I found that 10 years and time for new on a 2002 90 triple of the series. Other place would be carb needle valve not shutting off fuel to carb bowl like it should and fuel comes out the carb venturi, especially when running tilted up.

Currently running a 2002 2+2. Not having that problem as engine has been run on gasoline it's entire life.

 

[jerryjerry05]

There's supposed to be a recirculation system on all outboards made after the 70's Some might not work as good as they should.
There are tiny hoses that can get clogged and the unburned fuel finds it's way out.
Start it and look at the front of the carb and see if any fuel is coming out the front?? That could be a bad reed?
Also the trim/tilt might be leaking?

 

[racerone]

They built these motors for quite a few years.-----Mercury normally does not keep building stuff that has major flaws for very long.