'69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

[Drindin]

Starting the engine is not the problem, however it doesn't seem to want to run unless the choke is "halfway" on. If I try to rev it up, the engine burbs one good time and the engine dies. I haven't had the engine long but I'm determined to get it running. I have a service manual but it doesn't help with "troubleshooting". Can someone point me in the right direction, please?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: '69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

I am assuming this motor has sat for some time. Here is a good start for you. http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=36;gtid=1035575

 

[Laddies]

Re: '69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

The carb is dirty you need to clean it and it would not hurt to install a fuel pump kit while it's apart

 

[Drindin]

Re: '69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

Thanks! I appreciate you guys responding quickly.

 

[Laddies]

Re: '69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

About a 95% chance the high speed jet is plugged

 

[Drindin]

Re: '69 Mercury 20HP starting problems

I'll check that out. Um, maybe a stupid question but I see a very small gap between the exhaust and the lower unit. This isn't supposed to be there, right? The guy I bought the motor from took me through, step-by-step, the process of changing the impeller. I don't know if it was there before or not but there was some water when I drained the the gear lube. I'm afraid that this gap (which appears to have a little gear lube leaking, maybe) will end up causing the water pump to go bad and all would have been done for nothing. If this gap should be closed, can I use a gas/ oil resistant sealant?