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  1997 Mercury 40 Hp Idle/Start Problems

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Author Topic:   1997 Mercury 40 Hp Idle/Start Problems
Toad2001 posted 07-08-2003 01:52 AM ET (US)   Profile for Toad2001   Send Email to Toad2001  
40 Hp (40ELPTO) 2 Cyl 2 Stroke, 1 Carb.

I just mounted my (new) Mercury and spent half the weekend with the cowl on the dock. I wasn't impressed.
The motor is like new with very very low hours (literally 25 or so) since new.
I bought it from the local Honda dealer (it was taken in on trade).
Anyway, I rigged it (tiller to remote conversion) and got it running, and it initially ran fine without any signs of trouble. It ran fine for the first while (2 hours or so) with a few (very) subtle indicators of problems (short duration of hi revs when throttle closed, then it started bogging upon acceleration).
Finally, when our weekend was wrapping up, it completely crapped out, and I couldn't get it started at all.
Finally it did, after much cursing, coaxing, etc etc., but it still won't idle right or run consistently.
I plan to take the carb off and see whats what. Hopefully a thorough cleaning will sort things out.

I am looking for ideas from the board as well...

[url]http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/Soobarooo/10079.JPG[url]

Jamie 20 outrage posted 07-08-2003 11:25 PM ET (US)     Profile for Jamie 20 outrage  Send Email to Jamie 20 outrage     
Your on target, water/junk in your fuel. If you dont have one, get a boat mounted fuel filter. Also your gas might be old?
Clark Roberts posted 07-09-2003 06:17 AM ET (US)     Profile for Clark Roberts  Send Email to Clark Roberts     
Toad, this is one of the simplest, most accessable engines around (no head bolts, exhaust baffle bolts etc) and the single carb is so easy to adjust... even the reeds can be removed in a few minutes! So don't give up, just clean up that fuel system and carb, adjust idle/air needle valve a little on the rich side, put in new plugs and all should be fine.. good luck... and happy Whalin'... Clark.. SCN
Toad2001 posted 07-09-2003 10:11 PM ET (US)     Profile for Toad2001  Send Email to Toad2001     
I went down to pull the carb off today, and before I did, I started it up. It ran on fast idle. It wouldn't idle at all.
I pulled the carb off, and disassembled it. It was spotless inside. Absolutely like new. I used carb cleaner anyway, and put it back together.
Still having problems. Not starting etc etc.
Is there a fuel pump pressure test I can do on this thing?
PS-I cleaned the plugs-they seemed OK.

Could I be having a low RPM ignition problem? That would be a new one to me...

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