Re: Reeds shot in old Merc...
Thanks for the replies... I have had this info on other threads, however, things have changed since, so here's latest the scoop:<br /><br />The engine ran fine out of water (with hose)... no problem idling. <br /><br />So, I took the boat out on the water and once I got it to idle, it would only idle in nuetral with the throttle midway (sorry, no tach, no guages for reference). When I would push it all the way up, it would rev a little, but not what I would imagine (like it does out of the water). And forget trying to get it to idle with any less fuel than midway - it just died.<br /><br />I was 'finally' able to get it to go into forward without dieing (only one time), but when pushing the throttle up, it would barely go...like it's being deprived of fuel. I did ensure that the fuel tank was vented and I had just replaced the fuel line and tank.<br /><br />So, I took it to a mechanic and was told that the carbs needed to be cleaned...at least a place to start (I agreed, as this thing sat for about 2yrs). I asked if he had checked the fuel pump and he said yes, it's all fine. So the carbs were cleaned (I was charged 2x the amount he had quoted). And the place didn't have a chance to run it in the water (there was a miscommunication on when I needed it and when they thought I needed it). So they had just tested it in a bucket... which it runs fine (I could have told them that)!<br /><br />So I take the boat back out on the water... and it idles great, even in it's lowest position... but once I put it into Forward or Reverse, it dies! No matter how long I let her idle to ensure she's completely warmed up...no dice.<br /><br />So I call my mechanic back (actually the owner this time) and complain that it's still not working, that it hadn't been tested and that I was charged more than he had quoted. Blah blah... I take it back and he says he'll troubleshoot it for me.<br /><br />He calls back and says the distributor is shot and needs to be replaced... something about the rotar being loose... and that he's never seen one in such poor condition. I tell him I don't have the money for him to fix it right now... but he says he'll cut me a deal (on account of the carb dealio).. so I leave it there... knowing it probably won't be his highest priority (and it's not really mine... since summer has come and gone).<br /><br />Just this past week he calls me back and says that he's taken it back out on the water (with a buddy mechanic, for a second opinion) and it's still dieing. Even after retiming it/readjusting the carb.. but no luck. So they both came to the conclusion that it's the reeds. So... yes, after re-reading this post, it doesn't really sound like they know.. does it?<br /><br />But how would I know... and wouldn't it be costly to have a mechanic troubleshoot this for me? I have a feeling that I should go somewhere else... however, don't have a couple hundred more bucks for someone to guess for me...<br /><br />thanks in advance!
