I trust that, as is SOP with those critters, that you're choking the hell
out of it to start it? They need it.
They also need some throttle advance to catch and stay caught. - to about
1500 rpm. (never run above 2000 in neutral)

If you can pump the ball till it's hard and one of the carbs isn't gushing
gas, the float needles are probably seated.

If the fuel pump diaphram and the 2 check valves are good - it's good.

You MAY have to clean the carbs as something might have gummed up from
sitting - very common.

Assuming you clean the carbs and it STILL won't run. Then you need to think
about electrical issues.

I've seen bad switchboxes that only work when the starter is engaged (lower
voltage).

If you need more help post here... if you need any used parts for it contact
me at:

remove the saynotospam LOL

-W


None the less you probably need to totally eliminate the fuel system before
moving on.
"Blorf" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

I just brought my 1150 Merc 6 cyclinder outboard out of storage. Motor
has
been mechanicaly quiet an ran fine in the fall. It just didn't want to
start
for me this spring. Made a mild clacking sound (one per revolution) like
it
sometimes makes when cold if it hasn't been run for a few weeks. After a
few
aborted starts the clacking sound is gone. Kept playing with it but it
will
not continue to run once started. Replaced all the old fuel and drained
the
bowls, but no change. If I leave it sit for 5 minutes it will start and
idle
for 5 to 6 seconds. If I restrart it immediately it will fire up but quit
right away after a few cylinders fired. It seems to fire up immediately
everytime I turn the key and then abruptly quit after a few cylinders
fired.
If I let it sit a bit it will run for noticably longer before it quits.
Pumping the bulb when it is running doesn't seem to help.

I'm guessing this is fuel related as opposed to spark? I looked at the
fuel pump membrane and it looks fine. I pulled the plugs and they look
fine.
Could it be flooding on a pair of cylinders because of a faulty needle and
seat?

Thanks for your help.