72 merc 200 20hp problems after long idle

extreme76

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Sep 21, 2007
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72 merc 20hp, runs fine for the most part, however occasionally after a long period of low rpm travel, it will die if I open the throttle up.* Sometimes it will start right back up , some times its more difficult and I* may have to choke.* It will idle fine at this point but usually will die again if try a hole shot. I say sometimes because othertimes it may just take off.* Always has resolved on it own, usually just baby it back to higher rpms. -I think it is probably a carb issue, the float sticking or something along those lines.* I already have a carb kit but trying to hold off until fall.* Is there anything else I should be concerned about?-Thanks
 

Laddies

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Re: 72 merc 200 20hp problems after long idle

Your right it's a lean condition, either the mixture is a tad lean or the fuel level in the float bowl is fluctuating, that could be fuel pump or inlet needle.
 

extreme76

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Sep 21, 2007
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Re: 72 merc 200 20hp problems after long idle

Thanks for the reply Laddies.* Thats exactly along the lines of what I suspect.* I first thought it was flooding, but the fact that choke helps didn't make any sense.* I am hoping I can make it till fall and then rebuild the carb.* The carb definitely needs cleaned.* This motor allegedly has low hours (but is obviously old) and from what I can tell no one but me has ever worked on it.*
 
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