Baby Merc needs help

[wannagofishin]

I've got an '02 Merc 8 hp on my jon boat. It had set up a couple of years before I bought it, but after a carb cleaning, it ran fine. That is, until today. I idled down for a no-wake zone and it shut off and wouldn't start. I got her home and put new plugs in - no go. I emptied the filter bowl and left it off with the fuel line disconnected and pulled a few times (20-25) and it started. It ran until the float bowl was empty. Hooked up the fuel line and replaced the filter and it wouldn't start after priming.

I thought it might have gotten some water from the storm in it so I bought a new gas tank, (was going to anyway) blew out the line, new gas, and still won't run. It started, but as soon as the filter bowl filled, it shut down and wouldn't restart.

Sorry this is so long but it's a real puzzler to me. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Dan

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Baby Merc needs help

ever thought the filter might be clogged, and it not getting fuel to the carb. or the carb float is sticking open and flooding it. go to the engine faq forum,, read outboard won't start.

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: Baby Merc needs help

I tried it without the filter - no go. I took the carb off and checked the jet, float, and needle, and everything was OK. The float floats, and the needle opens and closes easily.

I'm going to try a carb rebuild kit tomorrow. Should have done it when I got the engine and cleaned it the first time.

Dan

 

[wannagofishin]

Re: Baby Merc needs help

I fixed it. There was a small ball bearing in the primer bowl missing, causing it to flood. Replaced and running great.

Dan