Starting problem Mercury 500/50 HP Outboard

mark9533

Recruit
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
3
Hi, I have a 1960-69 Mercury outboard, I have replaced all the plugs and wires and I purchased premixed fuel for the repair. I can start the engine, but it only idles a few seconds and stops. Any ideas?
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,262
You really should post a picture or serial #----1960 and 1969 are a bit different.-----When did it run well for you ?----Last week or 10 years ago ?
 

mark9533

Recruit
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
3
Hi, Thank you for a quick response. The serial #2306169. I had it running up until about 2 months ago. I had put some fuel in and it stopped. I thought it was bad fuel, so I went and got premixed and it was still having problems. I checked the spark plugs, they were old, so replaced them. When checking the spark plugs I found one of the wires were bad, the clip that attaches to the spark plug was missing, so I purchased new ones. I was able to get it to start finally, but it just wont stay running. I was wondering if it was the fuel pump? not sure.
 

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Tassie 1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 13, 2018
Messages
584
Serial number suggests 1968,
pull start or electric?

got good spark/ compression?
carbs could be gummed up, need cleaning/ rebuilding etc etc
lots of info in the stickies up above here,
 

tommarvin

Ensign
Joined
Nov 22, 2015
Messages
999
Mr Mark ,this is a old motor that has not been run in a long long time.
This reminds me when we bought our boat that wasn't run for years,
You have a list of things to do this is going to get long, you can do it,
remove all the old gas from everything,tank,fuel lines,carbs,
Remove the carbs and clean them like all the you tube videos.carb cleaning videos do.
Remove the old plugs and clean them its never the plugs, I know you bought new plugs,just making a point.
If one spark plug wire is bad replace them all.
This is another dirty carb post, and fuel system the gas from your fuel tank goes to a fuel water separator first, standard equipment now days,if you dont want fuel problems, and you need to add stabil 360 marine with vapor technology every time you add gas to the fuel tank, in the morning get your wrenches and remove the carbs, take them to a table/bench and start removing all the stuff that can be removed, push something through every hole/tube opening like the videos.Blow compressed air/carb cleaner through everything,welch plugs, needle valves,
Put the carbs back together, start your motor and report back with your findings .

,
 

mark9533

Recruit
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
3
Thank you, I will try cleaning the carbs. I did replace all wires and plugs. I would never just do one wire, but thank you for telling me. The motor is electric start, turns over and starts, but dies after about 5 seconds. now that you have both said carb, that sounds more like it. I will try and get back to you. Thank you.
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
14,118
Have you tried squeezing the primer bulb when the engine fires? If it keeps running when you squeeze it, suspect the fuel pump. Heck after 50 years, the pump probably could use a rebuild anyway, as would the carbs. Vintage mercs almost always have dried cracked insulated on all wires, a rewiring may be needed.
A new water pump or at least an impeller, if not already done.

I like the red band on the cowl. Red Mercs look the best.
 
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