Mercury 3.5 hp Outboard Woes

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by gah964

that carb idle screw is on the top not even on the carb body that's an air valve screw just lets more air in.The first picture has the idle screw in it facing us.

I'm confused. So you're saying that the idle screw is or is not the screw on the top of the carb? I thought the idle screw was the screw on the bottom of the carb (in the first photo)

[gah964]

Then go to the auto parts and ask them for the de-ethanol treatment

[gah964]

Originally Posted by Jcolman

I'm confused. So you're saying that the idle screw is or is not the screw on the top of the carb? I thought the idle screw was the screw on the bottom of the carb (in the first photo)

the idle screw is on the top where that spring is in picture number 1.
the screw on the bottom is a fuel drain.

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by gah964

the idle screw is on the top where that spring is in picture number 1.
the screw on the bottom is a fuel drain.

Ahh...gotcha. Thanks!

[Jcolman]

One other thing that concerned me was that after about a dozen or so starts and stops, I noticed engine oil weeping out of the screen of the air intake, pictured below. I assume that this is not normal for this motor.

[keepondancin]

You probably need to clean the carb again, and really soak it with carb cleaner, and try blowing it out. There are so many small passages in the carb body, and you said it sat for a long time, it is probably really gunked up. The dark you are seeing maybe just "varnish" that is dried on the carb body, and the gas is loosening it up. Just keep cleaning it.

[Blue Crab]

As so often is the case here on CF, I will come to the rescue.

Please hold that applause.

I will come to Raleigh on Monday and hand you one (1) Benjamin for that rotten &^%%$ POS. That's the kind o prudent mariner I am.

PM with time and address.

Two words: win win.

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by Blue Crab

As so often is the case here on CF, I will come to the rescue.

Please hold that applause.

I will come to Raleigh on Monday and hand you one (1) Benjamin for that rotten &^%%$ POS. That's the kind o prudent mariner I am.

PM with time and address.

Two words: win win.

make it six Benjamin's and we have a deal.

[gah964]

If you have oil weeping out the carb you may want to check your fuel pump the pump will mix oil with gas if the seals are bad.

[Opie91]

Pretty sure there is only an idle screw on that carb, no idle mixture adjustment.

Another question, did you pull the spark plug? It appears to be a 4 stroke motor and if they are not stored properly (laid down on the wrong side) it is possible for the oil to migrate into the cylinder. Result: fouled plug and other running issues.

[Jcolman]

Originally Posted by Opie91

Pretty sure there is only an idle screw on that carb, no idle mixture adjustment.

Another question, did you pull the spark plug? It appears to be a 4 stroke motor and if they are not stored properly (laid down on the wrong side) it is possible for the oil to migrate into the cylinder. Result: fouled plug and other running issues.

That's a possibility. The PO told me to transport it with the handle down. After I did some research when I got home, I found out that the motor is supposed to be transported with the handle up.

Regardless, I ordered a carb repair kit and will give it another go. Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Much appreciated!!

[SkiprJohn]

Originally Posted by Jcolman

That's a possibility. The PO told me to transport it with the handle down. After I did some research when I got home, I found out that the motor is supposed to be transported with the handle up.

Regardless, I ordered a carb repair kit and will give it another go. Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Much appreciated!!

Well, you've found your problem. Storing and transporting on the wrong side lets the oil drain into your intake. Requires a full carb redo plus all the other things that result from engine oil getting into places it shouldn't like cylinder heads, etc.

As has been said. You need non-ethanol gas and run the carb dry when you use it. Don't even think about leaning it on the wrong side. Darn 4 strokes.

[Opie91]

Originally Posted by Jcolman

That's a possibility. The PO told me to transport it with the handle down. After I did some research when I got home, I found out that the motor is supposed to be transported with the handle up.

Regardless, I ordered a carb repair kit and will give it another go. Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Much appreciated!!

You could also open the fuel drain on the bowl and keep letting it drain until it flows nice and quick. This will mean most of the oil is gone. Probably will run better then. A rebuild will definitely help.

4 strokes run pretty good for the most part, once you get past this you will most likely be happy with it.

[Orion Jim]

I bought the identical Tohatsu (the maker of the 3.5 Merc.) and had the same issues all summer. I cleaned the carb and adjusted it in December but I can't really test it till spring. It better idle and start or I'll have a seizure. It really pissed me off. My 2stroke ran like a champ for 13 years before it finally died.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Well, you've found your problem. Storing and transporting on the wrong side lets the oil drain into your intake. Requires a full carb redo plus all the other things that result from engine oil getting into places it shouldn't like cylinder heads, etc.

As has been said. You need non-ethanol gas and run the carb dry when you use it. Don't even think about leaning it on the wrong side. Darn 4 strokes.

Bingo! Soak the carburetor in seafoam. Blow it out with air. Remove the spark plug. For some gas into the cylinders. Let it soak. Dump it out. Put it together and try to get started. If it runs okay, that's fine. If it doesn't squirt seafoam into the air intake and run it until it stalls. Let it sit. Try again.