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
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
