Why so long to get the old Merc cooking!

[Shwangman]

I purchased a boat last year with a 70 Merc. I can put the throttle control wide open, one speed, slow for about 300 or so yards and then you better hang. I talked to the guy who own it and he told me that when he got it, it was like that. Any ideas, its not that I'm in a big hurry to get out to the spot but, it could be a little quicker.

Thanks.

[BIG DS]

A couple of things to check. 1st, does the throttle seem to move ok? If not, check the pivot points on the motor and see if they need a little cleaning and lubrication. 2nd, check with the previous owner to see when the last time the carburators were serviced. It may just need the carbs cleaned, new needle and seat, and an adjustment.

[New Yankee]

Sounds like it's running a bit lean to me - try flicking the choke on just as you hit it and see if that is the case(????), if so then may be time for a carb rebuild as Big D said. I had a Johnny 70 that did the same thing, and the tech who rebuilt the carbs said the factory jets were lean and to get it to NOT bog he'd have to get oversize jets and gas usage would go from poor to bad .

May not be the same issue w/the Merc, but it's an easy check if it works.

[Shwangman]

Thanks guys. I will take it in.