2007 9.9 Pro Kicker; Idle Jet Opening

[FlyboyTR]

I recently purchased this motor. It would barely run and only at a high RPM (they had the idle screw way in!). I found water and trash in the tank and the carb itself was a bit gunked up because of the water. All systems were cleaned, filter replaced, etc. I ran the carb and all its parts through my ultrasonic cleaner for about 30 minutes. Flushed with water and then compressed air. I noted the idle jet did not have a hole lengthwise (open at each end but appears totally blocked in the middle. OK...that is possible...depending on where the fuel is feeding to the jet. Everything back together and still no joy. It will only run with the choke on and dies a few seconds after removing the choke or screwing in the idle speed screw.

I have pulled it back apart and keep going back to the idle jet. There is a passage way between the the main jet inlet and the idle jet that is open...but I am still stumped about how the fuel gets through the idle jet itself. I have tried tiny wire, air pressure, pleading, etc...but can not coax any opening lengthwise in the idle jet. Yes...the lateral holes are open. Please note...I am not talking about the mixture screw (cap removed, needle removed and passageway is clear).

If anyone can confirm as to whether or not this idle jet is suppose to be open lengthwise, or not...your help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[PhrozeN_FisH]

Both the main nozzle and pilot jets are open end to end. I use an old guitar string to push through the passages to loosen and remove debris.

 

[FlyboyTR]

Thanks. Don't have any guitar string. So far, I have tried a fine needle and various copper strand/wire...but still can't open the jet.

 

[FlyboyTR]

I just received this reply back from Mercury Marine. They are saying there are only side passages.
===================================================
Thank you for your e-mail regarding your 9.9hp Mercury motor, serial #0R206706 . We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your concerns.

This idle jet only has passages from side to side and it is very difficult to clean if plugged. It is typical to replace this jet during a rebuild.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Service department at 920-929-5040 between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, CST.

Sincerely,

Mercury Outboard Customer Assistance

 

[FlyboyTR]

UPDATE... Success! I took PhrozeN Fish's advice that the jet does have an opening lengthwise...even though Mercury say NO. I robbed a stiff wire off a brush, clamped it in a pair of vicegrips and proceeded to twist and push. Suddenly...it felt like the wire was moving through a hard clay. I pulled it in and out several times, each time going a bit further. Eventually it went all the way. I cleaned it out good, said a prayer and put it all back together...for the 7th time! Mounted it, primed it and she fired right off. When I knocked off the choke she slowed down. After some idle speed and air mixture screw adjusting she is now idling smoothly at 1,100 RPM. I am hoping that will give me my 900 RPM in gear once it is on the boat. If not...I will adjust as needed. Thanks again for the help!

 

[PhrozeN_FisH]

Glad I was able to help you out... This is a very common problem with the newer 4 strokes... I suggest running fuel stabilizer all the time to help prevent problems.