Carb advice on an older outboard...

[KFC911]

I've visited the Iboats forum...not a member and don't see the search feature, so I'll throw this out to the brain trust here as I don't want to be a newbie asking "which oil is best" were I to ask there . I'm getting ready to sell my bass boat, and haven't started her since last Oct. when I siphoned out the old gas and changed the water pump impeller in preparation. Now she doesn't want to fire, and I suspect the carbs may be fouled from inactivity over the past few years. So...should I just go ahead and remove the three carbs (it's a Mariner 150 w/ 6 cyls) and clean them, or is it possible to do a shortcut like spraying starting fluid, Seafoam, etc. into them and give it a try?
Were I keeping the boat, I'd do it right, learning in the process, but I'm a bit leery about getting in over my head, and am looking for a quick way out . Anybody know these motors? It's like a Mercury XR4 (at least I think that was the Merc version) fwiw. Should I just jump in, remove & clean them and hope I don't make things worse .

I no longer trust the shop that has occasionally serviced the motor for the past 15 years or so....

Any advice would be appreciated...

Anyone wanna buy a boat that won't start ?

[asphaltgambler]

By saying it won't fire, from your description it seems it cranks but does not run. Quickest way is to spray (lightly) some carb cleaner or starting fluid into intake tract. If it runs then you have a fuel delivery issue. If it doesn't, then pull spark plugs and check for good blue-ish fat spark.

[Dantilla]

How old is the motor? More to the point, does it take an oil/gas mix, or does it have oil injection?
An outboard that uses 50:1 needs to be run hard & fast before running the carbs dry.

Triple carbs can be a pain to balance, but should at least fire, even if not adjusted properly. I'd hesitate to remove them without a good reason.

A boat I bought wouldn't run when I went to go look at it. Seller was really embarrassed, as I'd come quite a ways ready to tow it home.
Made a deal to take it "as is" for a much reduced price, gambling that it would be something easy.

Turned out to be the little rubber cap on the kill switch had become brittle and cracked, and wasn't pushing the kill switch hard enough.
I saved a bunch of money on that one!

Moral of the story- Look at the easy stuff first!

[Scott R]

Always start with the CDI. I have had two extended trips ruined by that little thing. I carry a spare in my motor home now. The things are so sensitive to the slightest temperature or vibration. AKA "the black box" on Mercurys.

[mattdavis11]

My brother had an 87 model 150hp, 6cyl, triple carb Mercury. He rebuilt the carbs once while he had it (about 8 years). Said it was easy.

I have started the same motor with spray, worked like a charm.

[LakeCleElum]

I deal with 2 stokes all the time having a bunch of snowmobiles and motorcycles. Since it's been sitting only 6 months or so and not over a hot summer, I would:

Install fresh plugs and go the starting fluid route....When/if it starts, run it long enough to get fresh fuel thru the carbs.....I bet you will be just fine.

A caution: Don't go out for any high speed, full-throttle runs right away. You could have a plugged idle and/or pilot jets (passages are very small). If blocked, engine would run lean and possibly seize a cylinder.

You will know if you have a blockage as it will seem like it runs better with the choke on after warmed up....Sea-Form works wonders also.....

My lazy way to prevent this: Start the engine once a month in the off season...G'luck.

[rfuerst911sc]

You need to determine is your issue no spark or no fuel. I will say from my own experience with a Yamaha 90 my carbs do not like inactivity. Ethanol laced fuel is no help. You do NOT want to run lean you'll score or seize cylinders in a heart beat. Ask me how I know

[KFC911]

Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys! I'll be back to this thread with more info and some more questions later when I have more time....didn't want y'all to think I don't appreciate you though.....