A little OB problem - 50 Merc
 

Hi all,

I have an early '80's version 50 Merc/LS, on a lightweight 14' runabout ('64
Fabuglas). The engine runs perfectly - has never missed a beat - and makes
this little boat stand up and fly, right now! The other day, running at
about 1/2 throttle, it suddenly bogged down... not enough power to even get
on a plane.

It sounded like it was laboring. No miss, but a heavy, working hard kind of
drone. Toying with it, I found that the more throttle I gave it, the less
likely it was to pick up speed. When I stopped, it would idle, but barely,
then it would return to a normal idle speed/sound. Since I was close to
home, I nursed it back. When I would activate the choke, it would
temporarily begin to gain rpm, only to return to the droning sound and lack
of power.

Without taking anything apart, I visually inspected to see that the controls
were working, at the business end, which they were. I see no leaks along
the fuel line, or in the squeeze-bubble. Mix is good and tank was vented.
Electric choke works fine. All electrical connections are clean and tight.
It seems to point at carburetion, but I don't know what/where/why. I'm a
pretty good wrench, but have rarely touched the guts of an outboard.

Before I do anything drastic, I'd appreciate your best guesses as to what is
causing this, as I may be missing something pretty basic. TIA.

Unc

A little OB problem - 50 Merc
 

uncle k wrote:
Hi all,

I have an early '80's version 50 Merc/LS, on a lightweight 14' runabout ('64
Fabuglas). The engine runs perfectly - has never missed a beat - and makes
this little boat stand up and fly, right now! The other day, running at
about 1/2 throttle, it suddenly bogged down... not enough power to even get
on a plane.

It sounded like it was laboring. No miss, but a heavy, working hard kind of
drone. Toying with it, I found that the more throttle I gave it, the less
likely it was to pick up speed. When I stopped, it would idle, but barely,
then it would return to a normal idle speed/sound. Since I was close to
home, I nursed it back. When I would activate the choke, it would
temporarily begin to gain rpm, only to return to the droning sound and lack
of power.

Without taking anything apart, I visually inspected to see that the controls
were working, at the business end, which they were. I see no leaks along
the fuel line, or in the squeeze-bubble. Mix is good and tank was vented.
Electric choke works fine. All electrical connections are clean and tight.
It seems to point at carburetion, but I don't know what/where/why. I'm a
pretty good wrench, but have rarely touched the guts of an outboard.

Before I do anything drastic, I'd appreciate your best guesses as to what is
causing this, as I may be missing something pretty basic. TIA.

Unc

Sounds like the carbs are gunked up. They're pretty simple carbs, just
go carefully, get a manual and a rebuild kit. Look for tiny orifices
that can clog very easily, and use appropriate size wire to clean them
out.

A little OB problem - 50 Merc
 

"basskisser" wrote in message
Sounds like the carbs are gunked up. They're pretty simple carbs, just
go carefully, get a manual and a rebuild kit. Look for tiny orifices
that can clog very easily, and use appropriate size wire to clean them
out.


If the fuel pumps are part of the carbs... do them too.
If not do the fuel pump anyway, a kit is available.

-W