Dripping carbs

[Nandy]

I have a Mercury 500 / 50 H.P. Four motor s/n 2479050 year of manufacture is probably 1968, it has thunderbolt ignition.
When I get ready to start the motor I go to the bulb to prime the gas a few times. I have noticed that if I squeeze the bulb a couple times after it gets hard my lower card will drip gas. I have never seen the upper carb do that. The question is?
Is that normal for a motor this old to drip gas like that? I would think the float should take care of that. If this is not normal I might get a carb kit to install.

Thanks!

 

[j_martin]

Re: Dripping carbs

7 lbs or so of fuel pressure will overcome a normal needle valve. You can easily get that with the squeeze bulb.

Squeeze it until it is firm. If it doesn't drip, all is good. If you put a gentle squeeze on it at that time and it slowly gives and the carb drips, it's time for a carb kit including needle and seat. A hard squeeze would normally force a little past the needle valves and drip.

hope it helps
John

 

[Nandy]

Re: Dripping carbs

Thanks! I do have to squeaze the bulb quite a bit to get the dripping. I appreciate your time and help.

Thanks!