Learned alesson on poor running Mercury

Centani

Cadet
Joined
Aug 8, 2010
Messages
11
I bought a 1982 50hp 4cyl. Mercury from a boat/o/b engine mechanic in '09' .
The gentleman said he had replaced some of the wiring due to the fact that some of these engines were prone to wiring problems due to rotting and some other issues, that he took care of. Also rebuilt the carbs.
changed plugs and other tuneup items, said engine was running good..... so sounded like he new what he was talking about, believed what he said and bought the engine.

My background: Many years ago I had gone to school for Automotive mechanics when engines had carburetors and Mechanically inclined...but no experience with marine engines.

From taking it out in the water that first summer to August of this year '11' I had an engine that never ran well. took it back to him multiple times telling him I didn't think it was running right.
While idling it would run rough for moment then straighten out it self for a bit. but it was subtle not real dramatic.... so sometimes you'd think to yourself maybe its your imagination, because it varied so little at times.
Once out in the water it was more dramatic, more noticeable when increasing the RPM (throttle) wasn't running smooth at all..
So I spent 2 seasons trying to figure out what was causing this, I wanted to determine and fix the problem myself...........I hit these forums and asked a couple of Questions in hoping someone would give me a lead.
I checked out and had help in 2010 (O/B mechanic, Mike from R.I..Great guy) but we found all electrical to be running properly, He had mentioned to me he suspected carburetion, I said: Can't be, the guy told me he rebuilt the Carbs.
So this year after all this time I finally went back to basics and figured when I was a kid and car engine acts like this its sometimes a carburetion issue. I went to the Mercury dealer bought a 2 carb kits with needle's. Took off the Carb's and tore them down and Rebuilt them myself.
What do you think happened ? Well, now I have an engine that runs well and enjoyed boating this summer after all, albiet late.
Centani
 

Hubboat

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 25, 2011
Messages
76
Re: Learned alesson on poor running Mercury

Glad you figured it out, that must have been frustrating, Sometimes you just have to do things yourself. :cool:

...took it back to him multiple times telling him I didn't think it was running right.

Did he include a warranty with the 28 year old motor? :confused: I am honest, but sell all my things as-is.
 

PS94

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 1, 2009
Messages
293
Re: Learned alesson on poor running Mercury

The previous owner was also a boat mechanic he stated....
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: Learned alesson on poor running Mercury

When I bought my XR4, it ran, but poorly. After I shot the dozen or so faults out of it, mostly introduced by a "certified" mechanic, I had to buy a steeper prop for it to keep it from over revving.
 

will941s

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
540
Re: Learned alesson on poor running Mercury

The 150 I just got was always serviced by a dealer here in Charleston, EVERYONE goes to them. It was serviced less than a year before I got it, and I have the reciept to prove it. It ran like crap after starting in idle, would'nt pee at idle...man I got it from said, "dealership says it's not a cold natured motor". I replaced the waterpump and removed parts of a old pump, installed the gaskets in the right places (they did'nt), cleaned out and reset the carbs, and replaced the fuel pump.

Long story short: I can go right now and bump the key and it fires right up. Stays idling now, pees all the way through and won't skip a beat.
 
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