Outboard help, what am I missing

[Khagan1227]

Quick background: My normally reliable (first pull) 4 hp Merc outboard started to die after running for 10 - 15 minutes.

Took the cover off and discovered an insect had gotten inside an built a home inside the air intake (no filter). Cleaned unwelcomed visitor out, problem solved. NOT!

Then it took forever to get it to start. Then nothing. Put engine on stand, remove cover, check for spark, fuel filter, gas lines, vent. First pull. roars to life. Shut it off, first pull starts. Remove from stand, put on dink. Won't start. Try starting fluid, not even a pop. Too lazy to fool with it, leave it on dink, run (row) errand, leave boat for 10 - 15 minutes. Come back, jfsag, give it a few pulls.... starts running. Shut it off. Won't start.

The only thing I know it the friggin' thing is possessed. What am I missing (besides getting a new outboard with electric start)?

[JPA Cate]

Particulate matter in the carburetor?

[JPA Cate]

Particulate matter in the carburetor, that periodically blocks the jet?

[sabray]

Means you get to dismantle carb and and clean. Good fun and worth learning. Sometimes you need to do it twice. Also bag your fuel and start fresh it eliminates another possible issue.

[atoll]

honey bee in fuel tank.........must be running on B.P(eee)

[sabray]

Like I said bag the fuel. Less your running on stuff from a bees atoll.

[boatman61]

Check your diaphragm for pinholes...

[Khagan1227]

I used clean fuel after the first round. No Bee Pee fuel here.

I'll look into the carb jet. Inlet into the carb looked good, but didn't think about the jets.

I also checked the wiring and thought that was the problem, there were a couple of connectors that while sealed, looked like they might have been a tad loose.

Any how, THANKS! I'll let you know what I find.

[rw58ph]

Before you start taking things a part. Change the spark plugs and clean the in line fuel filter/screen. Make sure you run the engine out of gas when you are not going to use it for more than a couple of days. and try to use/empty the fuel tank each year as ethenal does not last long.

[sailorchic34]

Might check the safety kill switch ground is not abraded somewhere.

[SkiprJohn]

Fuel line from tank, vent cap, fuel shut off valve. Everything else has been mentioned.

Yes, run your carb dry if you are not going to use the engine for a couple of days.
Ethanol fuel is a killer for small engines.

[thomm225]

Try running it from the external tank and see what happens. I'm guessing you can run on the internal tank or an external tank. Mine always runs on the external tank after I pump up the bulb. Sometimes it takes a bit on the internal.

Is your internal/external switch in the correct position??

The cutoff switch is another good check as mentioned above. I lost the little hold it open thingy on the first day so I have a line holding it out. Usually if the engine won't so much as try to start, I have to reset/retighten the line.

My engine is the 5hp Merc 4 stroke same block etc as the 4hp.

Btw, I've never had to run the carb dry. Of course, this may be why I have to use the external tank and pump up bulb from time to time.

[Wainui]

Clean carb jets with carb cleaner and drain gas when not in use.

Cleaning 5hp 4cycle Outboard Carburetor - Tohatsu, Nissan & Mercury - YouTube

Watch this video on how to clean the jets
Good luck
Mark