Wimpy 15hp outboard.

[Mo-Dog 94]

I'm not new to boats, but am just a novice when it comes to engine troubles. I bought a little 15 hp mercury (1996) 2 stroke and here's what happened. It will start and idle like its brand new, but when I put it in gear and give it gas it dies pretty quick. I had a friend check it out and he found a little clog. I would like to work on it myself but am afraid I'll screw it up.. With a manual in hand, can a novice like myself be safe working on it or should I take it to a pro? Thanks for any replies.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Wimpy 15hp outboard.

If you are talking about rebuilding the Carb, then I would say go for it! It's really not that hard, if you have a Manual and rebuild kit at hand. Should not take you more than a couple of hours, even if you're a novice!

 

[Mo-Dog 94]

Re: Wimpy 15hp outboard.

Rick, What exactly does "rebuilding the carb" entail, and where would I look for a kit? Thanks.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Wimpy 15hp outboard.

You can get a rebuild kit from your Merc. dealer. It involves removing the Carb from the Motor, disassembling the Carb, Cleaning it by soaking it in Carb cleaner or spraying it out and blowing it out with compressed air. Reassemble it, setting float level and replacing adjustment screws and setting to where they were. Put it back on the Motor and try it! There's a little more to it than that, but a Manual will walk you through it all. Main thing is to clean it well, replace all parts that come in the Kit and set the float level correctly(No Big Deal). Really very easy on a small Motor like yours!