mercury fuel problem

[andy1981]

hello guys hoping you can help me i have a 96 mercury outboard 135hp v6
got to the lake the other day and my engine had a hard time starting after few try it got started and few mins later it turned off sprayed some starting fluid started up. but it dont go over 5mph when idaling its fine when i push for more gas to speed up it shuts down. had the spark plugs changed and the fuel filter changed and got a new ball pump what else should i do some say its the fuel pump you its the fuel pump or cabs problem please anything will help

and when it shuts down it starts back on with no problem but the same thing when i give it gas

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: mercury fuel problem

Quit useing starting fluid, if want to keep that motor. check for water in the fuel system.

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: mercury fuel problem

Sounds like you have a carb issue, start with the basics first; compression and spark if you are confindent you have that I would clean carbs, remembering that the float level is the most critical adjustment of the carb. Go ahead and replace/rebuild fuel pumps as well. After rebuilding carbs make sure to do a good sync and link, having a hot foot can cause problems not seen as much as a remote control. If your going to do it yourself get a manual for your particular motor. Do some research on local Mercury Marine franchises around you, and buy your parts from them if you feel they meet your approval. If you spend money there they may be more sympathetic towards your final bill and giving you over the counter advice. But just be aware that as a boat mechanic "we love to sell parts for the do it your selfer" because chances are you are going to mess it up to the point where you are going to have to bring it in.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: mercury fuel problem

(But just be aware that as a boat mechanic "we love to sell parts for the do it your selfer" because chances are you are going to mess it up to the point where you are going to have to bring it in.)

Nice .Real Nice.

I'm glad my Merc Dealer is not an *****hole like you

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: mercury fuel problem

Show me a competent marine mechanic/dealership that does not honestly think that.

 

[Maxz695]

Re: mercury fuel problem

could be the carb could be the fuel pump could be crack or leak in the fuel line itself could be the bulb check valve you can remove the line from the carb turn her over and see if its pumping gas then if so move on to rebuild the carb

 

[j_martin]

Re: mercury fuel problem

Sometimes you have to consider the source.

It sounds like a fuel problem. Starting with starting fluid is a clue, but don't do that again. Spray some 50:1 gas/oil instead. Your engine is lubricated by the fuel, and starting fluid is an extremely efficient de-oiler.

First, disconnect the fuel line at the bayonet and squeeze some into a jar for inspection. You're looking for crud and water. If that's good, put it back together and check further. If there's any crud in the fuel, the fuel filter is toast. Fix the dirty fuel and the source of the crud like rotten fuel hose, or last year's gas. Buy several fuel filters. You'll need them.

Have soneone give the primer a gentle squeeze when you advance the throttle. Be careful you don't pitch him over the transom. If that works, then put a kit in the fuel pump. If it doesn't then drop back to square 1.

1. Check for compression. Should be 120 or so on all 6
2. Check for spark. Should be a good 7/16" on all 6. (use a spark gap tester available at your local auto parts store.
3. If that's all good, you're down to carburetors. Gasket kits are about 5 bucks. It takes a few hours to take them off and go through them. They really are not very complicated. All the information you need is in the factory service manual.

BTW, I consider water pump service and fuel pump service an annual maintenance item, along with LU lube and greasing all points by the book.

hope it helps
John