1985 mercury problem

[tanman]

i have a 1985 mercury 2 stroke 35h im havin trouple starting it and once i get it started the only way it will stay running is if you are constantly squeezing the ball...i just got a new fuel line ...problem is still there. If anyone has any suggestions i would love to hear them

[Eric Wettschreck]

Were you having this problem before you replaced the fuel line?

The check valve in the line may be stuck open. Any fuel leaks?

[tanman]

yes there problem was there before

yes fuel leaks we thought that might be from priming it to much

[boatfixer]

I would suggest a complete tune up. Carb/fuel pump rebuild. By continuing to squeeze the bulb, you are taking the place of the fuel pump. The new hose and bulb was also a good idea. If you continued to use an old deteriorated hose and bulb, you may plug up the fuel system even after the carb and fuel pump are rebuilt.

[tanman]

sounds pricy but i appreciate the help

[marine_man]

I agree with boatfixer - sounds like some work is in order.

Has this been a problem that got worse over time gradually or all at once?

But, if you want to try a little at a time I'd start with a fuel pump rebuild kit. They're not that hard to put in and the instructions are pretty straight forward.

Do you run fuel stabilizer through your motor regularily, or, put another way, does your boat sit for long periods of time without being run and without fuel stabilizer? If so, maybe a good carb cleaning is in order before the fuel pump.

marine_man

[311Hemi]

Definitely buy a carb kit and rebuild the carb if you have never done that. I would also check out the o-ring on the fuel filter bowl, it could be sucking air. The white cup or bowl should screw off. You might also replace the fuel filter in case thats clogged.

We have an 85 Merc 20 hp outboard and have had to do these things a few times over the years.

Edit: I see the 35 does have a fuel pump so it's a little different that what I mentioned.

[tanman]

no i just got this boat last spring and since i have had it it has not sat more than two weeks other than winter ... but i have not used stabilizer either. the problem has alwayse been there but the first time out this year it just got really bad. i know very little about outboard motors so alot of this stuff is new to me

how hard is it to clean the carb and rebuild the fuel pump? ... i would be willing to try it it just makes me nervious that it wouldent go right then i have a motor in worse shape than i started

[boatfixer]

 Originally Posted By: tanman

yes fuel leaks we thought that might be from priming it to much

Where is it leaking from?

As far as it being hard depends on your mechanical ability. The actual rebuild is not hard, getting to the carb is a little trying if you have never done it before. Fuel pump is relatively easy.

[tanman]

it is leaking from what i think is the fuel pump but im not sure

i might try to get it fixed tomorrow i was planning on headin up to the river on thursday to try and catch some walleyes but this little problem is kinda got in the way

[marine_man]

The carb rebuild isn't difficult, it's a bit of work to get them off and you have to pay carefull attention to how many turns to bottom out the jets are, etc. If you're carefull and take your time you should be ok...

The fuel pump is pretty straight forward. The instructions that are in the kit walk you through it and it's not too difficult.

marine_man

[boatfixer]

 Originally Posted By: tanman

it is leaking from what i think is the fuel pump but im not sure

From the fuel line connector on the front of the motor, follow the fuel line inside the bottom cowl to the fuel pump. It will be attatched directly to the side of the engine block. it should have 3 screws holding it.

When you order parts be sure to have the serial number of the engine ready.

[tanman]

ya it was easy untill one fo the screws broke off inside the engine block

[davesfriend]

OH NO! Is it something you can easy-out? Blocks are not cheap.

[boatfixer]

I wouldnt panic, get a hold of a machine shop or good mechanic. they can help.

[tanman]

yup its at universal now ...not the only problem is its sittin there and not in my garage or on the water