Issues with 1982 - 90hp Merc

[jrklar]

I purchased a used '82 90 hp merc and have had it out about 5 times so far. I have noticed some recurring issues each time and hoping someone can help me do some trouble shooting.
1) On the hole shot, if I give it too much throttle it stalls out.
2) Yesterday, when I first started out of the dock, I attempted to gradually get it up to speed. The rpms took off, but the boat did not accelerate. I don't have a tach, but it was very obvious something was not right. I backed it down, tried again, and everything was ok for the remainder of the day.
3) The throttle sticks making it very difficult to accelerate/decelerate uniformly. It seems to be the worst in the 15-20mph range, which makes it difficult to hold those speeds and a nightmare for wakeboarding!

Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Issues with 1982 - 90hp Merc

For your problems:

1) your carbs idle mixture may be a bit too lean. Try opening the top carb 1/8 turn (CCW), and retest. Follow with mid carb, and then bottom carb, testing after each adjustment.

2)if it happens again, you miy need to check the prop to see if the hub is spinning. other then that, did you hit some weeds or is the motor mounted too high on the transom?

3) New control cables will allow smoother speed control. Make sure the motor linkage operated smoothly, before replacing cables.