Early 90's 50hp mercury 3 cylinder 2 stroke

[kerryd15]

helping my dad with his merc. He has some seeping water coming out the small hole in the center of the cover for the thermostat. Its no much just a drip once in a while. Is this a sign of anything? Any watchouts before taking it apart?

Also having a hard time starting it and wouldn't idle. I cleaned the small ports and it idles good now. The problem is the starting. I have to open the throttle to get it to fire. I think its flooding. if i squeeze the bulb and hold it should i be able to see gas come up the center jet if the float valve isn't sealing? I am not seeing any gas coming up in any of the carbs when i pump the bulb firm and hold it.

It started and ran good last year and haven't changed any settings. going to try fresh gas also.

[JosMN]

Not sure about the thermostat...

Are you doing the proper procedure for starting it? Tiller or remote? My 60 merc/mariner is a tiller and this is what i have always done. Turn key to on, tiller handle to "start" press your choke in for 5-7 seconds and then turn. My 60 usually pops right off unless its in the 30s or 40s outside, then i need to hold the choke in a tad longer. Mercs can be a pain to start sometimes.

[Surface Tension]

When you squeeze the bulb up it should eventually be hard and you can no longer squeeze any more fuel to the carb. The float should have raised and shut the flow of fuel off at the inlet valve.

So No gas shouldn't weep through the carbs and into the crank.

Having to start with full throttle. If its flooded, reason to use full throttle is to open the butterfly and pass more air through. Only way to know if its flooded is pull the plugs although you might see a film on the water or smell gas.

Do this, next time you leave the lake disconnect the fuel line and let the engine run for a minute.

As mentioned previously are you choking when starting? Could be your compensating the full throttle for not choking. If so its going to be a hard starter. Set throttle to high idle, press key in to choke and crank. Keep it choked till the engine starts. You will have to bump the choke a few times as the engine dies till its warmed up.

It wouldn't hurt to check that the choke is operating.

[kerryd15]

after starting it and letting it run for a couple minutes with muffs on, I shut it down, and tried to restart. Once it is somewhat warm it should fire without choke. I havent had to with my 50 thats couple years newer. Both boats are side console. I pulled the line and i can hear the choke click and gas comes out the choke tubing. I was thinking its flooded because i have to lift the throttle lever to allow more air to get it to fire. It didn't even try to pop, or sputter after cranking for 10 to 15 seconds.

[Surface Tension]

Gas shouldn't be running out the hose. Your problem might be with the fuel enrichment.

Look into it.