2000 Merc 9.9 4strk problems

[Guest]

I have a 9.9 that just won't seem to run well or at all at times. I just changed plugs which did not do it. It is definitely getting enough gas as it is easy to flood. I am thinking maybe bad coil or plug wires? Has anyone had this problem? What do I look for first?
Thanks

[ChuckN]

Do you have spark? Start there.

I have the same motor and it is extremely sensitive to bad fuel. The electric choke is a nightmare, as it usually floods my engine. These engines are very cold blooded and will flood if not warmed up properly before kicking them into gear.

I've had the same problems you are experiencing, but I worked through the issues. I had some slightly poor fuel and I also took the carb out and tore it down because the float stuck.

[rmh2o]

If you want give me a call 763-241-1377 I live in Otsego
Robert

[ChuckN]

Are your spark plugs wet after trying to start it?

What kind of boat do you have with a shut off valve? I had a 3 way valve and I had to turn the valve to whichever motor I wanted to operate, or the other motor would starve for fuel.

If you have electric start, try this. If the engine fails to start, take the hood off, place your hand over the carb intake while turning the motor over. Don't completely cover it, just enough to resist the air from entering the carb. If it fires, take your hand off. It helps mine get running when it's fussy. Sometimes the motor seems flooded, when actually it is not.

Good luck

[Guest]

I have a T which has a sep. shut off for each motor. RMH2o I may give you a buzz but I think I will first try a few things. Hoping maybe I just flooded it bad. Sounds like these little motors are pretty sensitive. I might go buy some muffs and pull it out and try and get it running in the driveway also. Planning on heading to Duluth for the St. Louis and lk Superior for opener and trolling would be tough without this little guy.

[rmh2o]

If your gas line comes from your tank and then splits off {wich it probably does} to each motor at the shut offs you will definitly want to shut the other one off.If they are both open it could be trying to pull gas from the other motor and losing pressure.If you cant get it going give me a call I might be able to take a look at it.It might also be a good idea to add some sea foam to your gas if it hasnt been treated.

[Guest]

Thanks I will keep your number. I have QuickCleen - like sea foam in the tank. The big motor is an Opti and is recommended to run this. Do you know can I just buy the standard muff with hose to one side to run this little guy? I am sure that will be fine but I just looked on cabelas and they have dual hose models as well.

[rmh2o]

That should be fine thats all I use on mine I think I bought mine at fleetfarm or gander

[This message has been edited by rmh2o (edited 05-10-2004).]

[rmh2o]

If you have spark and good plugs I would suspect it is probably the carb.I had a similar problem with my 9.9 yamaha 4 stroke and just had to clean the carb.If you dont know how to clean the carb let me know you probably dont live far from me.

[Guest]

Thanks guys,
I am in St. Michael, MN. I will check for spark tonight. I also was told to maybe replace the fuel filter? It seems like plenty of fuel is making it to the carb however. Cleaning a carb sounds a little scary to me. Another question is I have shut offs for both motors from the tank and should I be shuting off the little motor line while the big motor is running and vise versa? The guy I bought it from never said to do this a mech. I spoke with said yes always. Thanks again,

[Guest]

Update on the Merc:
I pulled the plugs and they were carboned up and still wet. So I gave them a good cleaning and let them dry overnight. The guy I bought from the boat from never ran Quickcleen so I think there was alot of carbon built up. I also checked the oil and seemed to smell a little gas so I am thinking I will drain that and put a new quart in. The book did not say what weight or brand any ideas? I picked up the muffs also so hopefully I will try and run her tonight.

[ChuckN]

Ok, if your plugs are carboned up, they are old. I thought you put in new plugs?
Buy new plugs. This is very common in small Merc 4-strokes when used as kickers.

I clean the old plugs with a wire brush and then take my torch and lightly burn the gas/carbon out. This usually works.

Change the oil. 5W-30 is fine, and if you feel more comfortable buying marine grade motor oil that works great too. It states all that in the manual, or at least in my Merc manual it does.