Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

MILLSMAN

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
43
I recently picked up a nice old 1974 20HP Merc. It has 110 PSI on both cylinders, and looks very clean and underused. Great spark. I took off the carb, took it all apart and cleaned it, although it was very clean already. Reset the float a little. All "looked" good. Checked the high speed timing by pulling the plugs and hooking up a timing light. It was right on. I can't get it to start cold (I am in S. Florida so cold is relative) unless I give it a shot of gas in the carb. After that it will idle but belches out the carb every now and then and will stall. It will restart easy (no prime necessary), but will spit and cough if I idle it down. I have played with the idle screw adjustment to make it as smooth as possible. When I give it more gas it will run OK and not miss .............only at idle. I ran the great elixir Seafoam through it by putting it in the gas but that did not help. Using Champion L78V plugs that I sand blasted. Any ideas on how to get my 37 year old motor running smooth? Thanks :confused:
 

mekkamaz

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Dec 30, 2008
Messages
180
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

It looks like the carb is taking extra air from elsewhere. look for a cracked or blown gasket. Check needle seat as it maybe full of sediment. also try thigthen carbs screws gently.
 

MILLSMAN

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
43
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

Thanks for the input. I was thinking along the same lines. I will pull the carb off (again) and see. Maybe a new gasket and new needle are in order?
 

Mi duckdown

Commander
Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,575
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

If your are going to remove the carb, Rebuild it. why go thru all that trouble without new gaskets and possible a new float. Soak parts and use air in all possible passages. I also run 25 lb mono line thru every passage just to make sure before re assembly.

Also check your water pump impellar, If you have not done SO.
 

MILLSMAN

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
43
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

I pulled the carb off and checked everything (again). A closer look revealed that there was a slight tear in the diaphragm on the fuel pump. I ordered a rebuild kit for the fuel pump. There was also aslight "dent" in the mating surface of the carb to the manifold that could cause an air leak. A little permatex should take care of any possible leak. Hope this will solve my sputter issue.
 

ufm82

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
Messages
827
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

Yep- sputters or "sneezing" is a sign of a lean condition. Your findings should fix it. New gaskets are a must.
 

MILLSMAN

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
43
Re: Old 20hp merc sputters at idle

Right on with replacing the gaskets. That was the problem. You would not realize it by looking at
the gasket (carb to engine), but it was leaking somewhere. After replacing it the motor ran great.
Thanks for your input.
 
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