9.8 Merc dies

[Finns]

Started up the Merc and it ran for 15 to 30 minutes (in a tub) and then died. Bulb was soft. Put on a new bulb and hose clamps. Ran for short time. Got rid of 2 month old treated gas and gas tank. Replace with new gas and tank. Still won' run more than a minute or two.

New gaskets for the carb maybe?

Finns.

[Surface Tension]

Could be a lot of things and need more info.

Was there enough water in the tub for it to pick up the water? The bubbles and turbulence that the exhaust puts into the water will reduce the water pumps ability to push water and you could be overheating.

If you primed the hose back up would the engine start again?

After you replaced the bulb, clamps, and gas tank did the bulb stay hard?

Did you check for spark after it quit?

Did you replace the plugs?

Are the plugs wet or dry after it quits?

[Finns]

ST; Lots of water in the garbage tub. Primed the hose and would start but not run long. Haven't checked the plugs.

I got it to run this morning-but-I have to keep moving the choke to keep it running. Replaced vaccuum hose to no avail.

How hot is the water supposed to be coming out of the water pump discharge hole? It's hot but not so hot that you can't keep your hand in the stream.

Finns.

[Surface Tension]

If you have water coming out the telltale then lets drop the overheating issue.

Having to choke it to keep it going most often means your starving for gas. You said you replaced the "vacuum" line. Did you put a clamp on both ends?

Does the bulb stay hard now when its been run? If not its either leaking air into the gas line or the fuel pump is weak. Need to know about the bulb because you next step is dependent on that.

[Valv]

I think th abbreviation of ST means Saint, in this case ST Frank = St. Frank. You truly are.....your patience is to be admired.

If choke is used to keep motor running could mean dirty carb also, might want to take it apart and clean it up.

[Finns]

Valv; You're on the mark about the ST initials.

Yes, the bulb stayed hard.

Headed to the store for a carb gasket kit. The wife reminded me that about three years ago this happened and a kit was the fix.

Will report the outcome this afternoon.

Finns.

[Surface Tension]

Thanks for the words. I think you pump is alright then, next thing down the line could be the fuel filter and clean the carb along with an overhaul kit for the carb. Pick up a can of spray carb cleaner and a bottle of cleaner to soak the carb and parts in after you disassemble the carb.

[Finns]

Dang I hate when the wife is right!! Put in a carb kit and it is purring like a kitten.

I'll be around Ely for the next two weeks and have been known to buy the beer if anyone is interested.

Finns.

[Valv]

OK, we are all in the same situation here.

DO NOT let her know or hear the words "You're right" that will be the end of us, truly.

As far as I know we never had a discussion about your motor.... you just figured it out by yourself

[Finns]

Those are words to live by Valv.

Finns.