merc issue help?

[hamms-scooter]

Motor is a 1983 merc 50 hp tiller. Yesterday I was out running all over the lake. I went to leave the final spot and it popped the boat up like normally does and then lost power. It kinda just bogged out. It idles fine in gear and n. I revved it up in n just fine but put it in gear and it doesn't have any power.The more throttle I give it the more it chokes out bogs down. I got fresh fuel yesterday non oxy as normal. Before yesterday it had been a few weeks since I was out last. Like I stated I run non oxy. Any I deas? Have not checked plugs yet got home yesterday and couldn't get to it at that time.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Sounds like a possible timing issue. Had this happen to me in the past. Ended up being a sheared woodruff key for the flywheel.

[Gordie]

I had a similar problem with my 89 classic 50. I rebuilt the fuel pump and it ran like new again. it could also be dirt in the carbs but my money is on the fuel pump.

[hamms-scooter]

Thanks guys

[BoxMN]

Do you use an external tank? If so, the vent must be open. All the way. It can rattle shut or slightly closed, causing exactly the symptoms you are talking about. I bet that is it We put a loose zip tie under that vent in ours, to keep it ALWAYS open. As you know, the motor is thirsty enough that you don't need to worry about condensation, as you are filling with new gas enough, haha!

BTW - our 50 was started yesterday (duck hunting big water) for the first time since about labor day, and started and ran like new but with new gas.

[hamms-scooter]

Box as it happened on the lake that was first thing I checked was wide open. I am going to get a fuel pump rebuild kit as Gordie said. His did the same thing and that was the fix for him. You were not joking that this 50 likes the gas wowzer! runs good though other then this issue. Lots of power and plenty fast for my 16 ft lowe. Love the sound of it.

[jentz]

Box as it happened on the lake that was first thing I checked was wide open. I am going to get a fuel pump rebuild kit as Gordie said. His did the same thing and that was the fix for him. You were not joking that this 50 likes the gas wowzer! runs good though other then this issue. Lots of power and plenty fast for my 16 ft lowe. Love the sound of it.

Have you checked the fuel pump to see if its working? No sense throwing parts at any motor till its been thoroughly checked.There are a number of things that would make the motor run that way.Fuel line sucking air,tank vent clogged,Carb clogged,the two mentioned above,Tank screen clogged,plugs,elect.short On and on May get costly just guessing.I been there and learned to check and find the problem.

[icefishin4fun]

Hamms-scooter if you need any parts i have a complete 50 hp mercury i would part out. email [email protected]

[hamms-scooter]

Thanks for the help guys. I am going to look at everything on the motor first and then I will go from there. I am hoping it is a simple fix. Thanks for the parts motor option! I will let you know if I need anything.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Please let us know how this pans out. I'm really curious and if it helps another fella, cool.

[hamms-scooter]

I will definately let you know. Now I just need time to tinker