Stalling in forward gear..

[tizfun]

My Merc 1978 50 keeps stalling when I put into gear.. I put it in forward and push down the throttle and it bogs down and stalls.. there also seems to be alot of play in betwee neutral and forward gear..<br />No speed until throttle control is almost all the way down.. Even if all the way down, I still has no power.. Fells like a 5 hp on the transon.. When it does stall, I'll bring the trottle back to neutral and the starts up on it's own..<br /><br />Please help.. I don't know if I should spend any more on this or opt for a newer model..<br /><br />Vasili

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Stalling in forward gear..

hello<br />based on the information you have given it could be most anything. bad plug water in the fuel. blown cylinder bad reeds. you need to buy or borrow a compression tester and test engine compression. if all cyl are within 10 psi then check spark. it should be able to jump about 1/2 inch gap on all 4 cyl.if all spark correctly inspect all likages and timing arms for smooth rotaion and movement. if all are correct open up and inspect/replace fuel pump diaphrams and remove and clean/inspect carbs. you did not post how or why the motor got to this point of running.<br /> good luck and keep posting.

 

[tizfun]

Re: Stalling in forward gear..

I really don't know how it got this way.. I just purchased it as a package.. I was concerned about this motor and it's year.. The rest of the package is a 1995.. No wonder he went from $4000.00 to my offer of $2500.00.. My wife warned me that it seemed a little to good.. I've put it away for the season now, but will have a mechanic look it over in the spring.. I just didn't want to spend any more money because of the year and it's probably not worth it..<br /><br />Thanks for you're reply.. Your tips will be a starting point for my inspection before the mechanic...<br /><br />Vasili

 

[MarineTechStudent]

Re: Stalling in forward gear..

First did it have this condition when you purchased it, surely you took it for a test ride. Second even if you have to have the powerhead rebuilt, if its done by a experienced mechanic it will be as good if not better than when it was new, and will cost alot less than a new one. Do the test mentioned above if the compression is within 10 psi then it shouldnt be that expensive to fix.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Stalling in forward gear..

Vasili <br /><br />Sounds like fuel starvation or lean mixture.<br /><br />Buy a manual and set the carb mixture screws and throttle cable first.<br /><br />Check the fuel tank vent to make sure it is clear. Check the condition of the fuel supply hose and filter. <br /><br />Look at the color of the spark plugs to see if there is an indication of lean mixture.<br /><br />There are plenty of post here that describe lean fuel mixture / fuel starvation. Read through this forum - it doesn't even have to be about your motor specifically - and then check the numerous things that can cause lean fuel mixture.<br /><br />You should be able to fix this thing yourself.<br /><br />Good Luck, <br /><br />Gold Bear