Carb troubles or leaking gasket?

[CatfishingMo]

I've bought a 77 merc 500. When I bought the motor the guy told me it was missing the air cleaners therefore it was pulling to much air and not enough fuel so it had to have the choke nearly closed. Wasn't sure about that and have confirmed through others on this site that those motors didn't have air cleaners. So this leaves me with a problem to diagnose. Do the carbs need work or could one of the carb gaskets be leaking causing it to suck air? It wouldn't think a leaky head gasket could cause this, but could it? Where should I look first? I appreciate all the help given. Thanks

 

[j_martin]

Re: Carb troubles or leaking gasket?

You bought a poor running motor from a liar.

Start with a manual.

Check compression (basic health)

Figure out fuel problem, delivery or carburetion.

Set it up (Link n sync)

With a little luck, you'll correct years of neglect and uninformed tinkering and have a great motor.

hope it helps
John

 

[gejandsons]

Re: Carb troubles or leaking gasket?

Trash in carbs. Boil'em out.