problems with 9.8 Mercury motor

[medic502]

Hello everyone i am new to the web site i have my first boat now its just a john boat. It has a Mercury 9.8 motor on it unsure of the year. i can not get the motor to start can any one PLEASE give me some advice on what to do i really dont no anything about boat motors. Thanks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: problems with 9.8 Mercury motor

I highly recommend you start out by getting a manual. Meanwhile, post the serial no. and we can look up the year for you. Has the motor been sitting for a long time? Have you checked compression? Spark?

 

[medic502]

Re: problems with 9.8 Mercury motor

my serial number for my 9.8 mercury is 5636886. an the motor has not been run in about a year. Thanks

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: problems with 9.8 Mercury motor

Most likely the carb is gummed up if it ran well last time out then sat with gas in the carb. You can check this by squirting fuel oil mix into the carb (don't use starting fluid) and see if it fires. To check spark, you can get an inline spark tester at Harbor Freight for $6. It plugs in between the spark plug and the plug wire, and has a small bulb that flashes when the plug is firing. Easier to see in the dark, and if you have someone else to pull the rope. Great cheap diagnosic tool to have. Your motor will be around 1980 with that serial number, but my chart doesn't cover motors that "young!"