Valv or others

[Paul Waldowski]

I have a 1997 4 stroke Merc 9.9 motor that is giving me problems. It runs for about 5-8 minutes and then sputters and dies. Almost like it is running out of gas. If I "floor it" when it starts to sputter...most of the time I can keep it running and it will "troll down again" for another 3 minutes or so. If I let it die, it is a $%&&$$# to get started again. Normally I cannot get it to go unless I wait an hour or so. I need to get this resolved ASAP. If I take it in I'm sure it will be two weeks or so, and I can't wait that long

[gunflint]

We had 3 motors with those same symptoms this year. 2 Merc 25hp 2-strokes, and a 25 yamaha 4-stroke. In all three cases it was the suction line in the fuel tank. Just a thought.

[BDR]

Paul, I had one that did just as you describe and all it was is a small pin hole in the fuel line. Hopefully yours is something as simple. Good luck.

[Paul Waldowski]

Hmmm!!! It's a brand new hose, but I will check that out. I also plan on changing out the plugs and the impeller. I have never done an impeller on a 4 stroke. It can't be that difficult..can it be?

[Paul Waldowski]

I don't think it's the hose as the ball is not going soft when allowed to sit. I would think with a tiny hole it would eventually go soft

[Walleye_Warrior]

Don't change the impellor unless it stops spitting water or the stream starts to get week!! Don't need to waste good money unless you notice a problem!

On the motor running crappy, If you don't find any gas leaks or cracks in any hoses, I would bring it in to someone and have them go through the carbeurator, just a little dirt in the carb can really mess things up!!

[Paul Waldowski]

Only going to do the impeller as it has been over 4 years and the stream is very intermittent.

[Valv]

Paul does it run with choke pulled (if it has any) ?

Is this the motor you were trying to get hooked up with same fuel line as main motor ?

If so it might be the fuel delivery to it due to main line sucking air somewhere, I recall some years back somebody had same issue with same setup, I'll research.

If you have the original 3 gallons tank and can hook it up directly to motor, it might be a way to find out if it's fuel line or fuel pump.

If you don't have any....I have plenty of them, but you have to stop by....

Replacing water impeller is NEVER a mistake, especially if neglected for few years.

[Surface Tension]

Good call Val on sharing the fuel line.

Changing the impeller will give you piece of mind and is inexpensive.

Paul, I think Gunflint was referring to the pickup line inside the gas tank.

After it quits on you and is hard to start I'd take a look at the spark plugs to see whats going on. Could be starving for gas or flooding out, checking the plugs will give you a clue. Both symptoms will create the problem you've described.

If its not getting enough gas and the fuel line checks out OK I'd replace the fuel filter. Drain the bowl on the carb. When you have the drain plug out pump some gas through with the primer bulb to help flush it out.

[Valv]

Ok, I think I remember,

if you hook up kicker to main fuel line to main motor it will suck air from the large motor fuel inlet connector, thus kicker will starve fuel.

You have to get a 2 way valve and switch it, or run a line directly from the tank.

The test with separate tank will solve problem I think.

[Paul Waldowski]

All great ideas. Val will you be home tonight? Might be running down to pick up a 3 gallon tank.

[Valv]

I'll be home tonight, come on over.....

[Paul Waldowski]

I'm gonna put in the new plugs tonight and see what happens. If I can't get er fixed, I'll be down.

[ChuckN]

Quote:

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Only going to do the impeller as it has been over 4 years and the stream is very intermittent.

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Is the stream really intermittent?? Is SHOULD NOT BE!! It should pee a stream from pulling the rope.

I have a stronger feeling either the thermostat is faulty, something is plugged in the cooling system or the impeller is shot. It very well could be overheating at idle. They are also an absolute bear to start again when hot.

I had a old Evinrude 15 that did this. Found out the thermostat was plugged with sand and locked up. Thank goodness the motor didn't seize.

[Paul Waldowski]

Going to change out the impeller tonight - if for nothing more than piece of mind. How hard is it to do this??

[ChuckN]

I've never worked on the 9.9, but an old 15 Evinrude was easy and my 175 Merc was not complicated.

I will find you detailed instructions and email them to you. I would buy the Mercury impeller kit with new gaskets.

[Paul Waldowski]

Chuck,

Thanks buddy, I owe you one. Kit is in stock I just need to pick it up on my way home

[Jeremy airjer W]

Quote:

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Is the stream really intermittent?? Is SHOULD NOT BE!! It should pee a stream from pulling the rope.

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It takes about 20 seconds or so for my 50hp merc to "pee a stream". Is this normal? After it starts "peeing" it never stops so I assumed all is well.

[ChuckN]

airjer,

I am only referring to Paul's 4 stroke 9.9 kicker. I have the exact same motor he has. That thing omits a heavy water stream as I crank the motor over.

That would be your thermostat opening up after the motor has warmed. It's the same with my big Merc.

No doubt, every motor has a different cooling design in some way, shape or form. Like my big Merc, it is an intermittent stream, weak in nature, sometimes non-existant, and quite hot to the touch at idle...the way it was designed with the thermostats. However the same motor as mine manufactured a few years later have a totally different stream, that is much more obvious and consistent. I always thought something was wrong with my motor after I bought it and I was assured by a mechanic friend it was completely normal. I still changed the impeller, and I will every 3 seasons.

[BAIT956]

Paul, I had an older 15hp Merc. The carb had a plastic float. Somehow, the float deveoped a small leak and gas got into it, filling it about half full. The float would then partially sink and shut off the gas intermittently.

My mechanic found it right away, but it drove me nuts until I brought it in.

Just a thought, but it's easy to check.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Paul-we the people want to know... Did you get er fixed?

and I may want to take you up on one of them open seats on the big pond some day this fall... I got a few muskie plugs I need to get wet! and you know I like to chase smallies.. .and you can talk me into slip bobbers for walleyes too... maybe a hot bite shoot?

[Paul Waldowski]

Impeller was toast, therefore engine was overheating causing it to shut down. While we were in there replaced the gasket as water was leaking into the lower unit. Drained, flushed and refilled that and now I'm good to go.

[ChuckN]

NICE!! I like to hear good news!!

[Valv]

Paul, you were sooooo lucky you didn't fry it......I am glad it's up and running again.

I would stop by nearest church and light up a couple of candles.....

[Northlander]

Glad it was that simple and like Valve said, no further damage done. All in time for the weekend.