New 2016 Mercury 3.5hp Issue - Dies a few minutes after going into gear

[Redtail80]

Hi Guys,

I bought a 2016 3.5hp Mercury a month ago in the box. I went through the engine break in procedure but had to take it back to the dealer because of a stuck carb float. ( They told me that) The engine is broke in now except for one consistent issue.

I have the engine on a light 16ft canoe which I use for baby tarpon fishing around the mangroves in Key Biscayne an bridge tarpon in Miami. On the first trip out after I got it back I notice the engine, unless there was weight at the front of the canoe, would run for 2 mins then die. My Girlfriend was duly asked to move.

The issue is: The engine will idle all day but when I engage forward gear it dies almost immediately or will run for 1-3 mins then die.

Any comments or advise to help me understand were I should be looking to fix this issue would be great.

Thanks,
Gareth

 

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard.

A month old motor and not under warranty?

It sounds like the float needs adjustment or the fuel pickup in the tank may be out of whack.

One other thing is the tank vent. If the cap is loosened, will the motor keep running.

 

[Redtail80]

Hey GA_Boater

No, its still under warrant. I bought it new in the box from an authorized Mercury dealership.

Yes, the engine keeps running with the cap loosened. I forgot to mention yesterday after idling for 10 5-10 mins it died.

Thanks,
Gareth

 

[Redtail80]

- meant tank vent loosened

 

[GA_Boater]

Are you running the motor with the tank vent open or closed? It must be open or the motor will die.

 

[Redtail80]

I run it with the tank vent open.