Help removing carburetors from 1980 Mercury inline 6

[mruocco]

I have been working on restoring a 1980 Mercury Inline 6 and want to rebuild the carburetors.

I have removed the starter, and everything in the way of the carbs, including the two bolts on each carb. Yet, the assembly still will not come loose. I assume they are just stuck from years of not being touched, or potentially some corrosion, but I am hesitant to force it too hard.

Any tip or tricks that may help? Thank you.

 

[tavacska]

I will do the WD40 or Blaster Penetration soaking the gasket. And then do the wood/rubber patting around with patience.

 

[jimmbo]

It is best if all 3 are slid forward at the same time, there is not much flex in the connector on the throttle shafts. Fuel lines disconnected? Unless some clown put some kind of glue/sealer on the gaskets earlier, those usually don't stick

 

[mruocco]

It is best if all 3 are slid forward at the same time, there is not much flex in the connector on the throttle shafts. Fuel lines disconnected? Unless some clown put some kind of glue/sealer on the gaskets earlier, those usually don't stick

I do have the fuel lines disconnected, and have been trying to remove all three as a unit. I was very surprised they did not slide off easily. I'm a bit concerned someone may have used some type of glue in the past, but have very little insight into what happened to it before I acquired it.

 

[jimmbo]

All you can do is try applying something that will weaken the bond, and then some gentle friendly persuasion on the carb itself. Some gentle love taps to rock the carb, port to starboard, with a plastic hammer

 

[GA_Boater]

Put the nuts on loose so the carbs don't come off one at a time and holds the carbs on the studs until all three are loose - Less stress on the throttle linkage. Then tap the flange until each carb body loosens from the gaskets.

 

[mruocco]

Thanks all!

I followed the recommendations in this post tonight and got it loose. A small victory, but this is my first dive into restoring an outboard and it feels really good. I greatly appreciate the help!

 

[Chris1956]

Clean carbs well. Replace all carb gaskets, replace floats with the new hard plastic ones, if they are the original yellow foam. Replace inlet needle and seat, if original nylon needle and brass/rubber seats.

Merc makes inlet needle and seats that are 1/16" too long, likely for another motor, so make sure you get right ones.

 

[mruocco]

Chris1956, Thank you for the insight! The kit I ordered did not include new float, needles, and seats. I hadn't planned on replacing them but now I certainly will while I am in there.