Outboard repair question
 

This is from a friend on mine who has a Mercury...can anyone help?


"I have an 04 Mercury SS 115 and I have a strong gas smell after I run it. I can see gas coming out of the exhaust, but it will stop coming out after a few minutes. I've heard that this was normal, but when I first got the boat I didn't have this problem. Also the motor runs perfect, but that gas smell doesn't seem right and just in case there is a problem I want to catch it before it gets to be a real problem. Any suggestions. "

Re: Outboard repair question
 

Sounds like the carb needle is sticking, allowing the carb to flood out after he shuts down, till the fuel runs out of it.
Must be happening when driving the boat also? Just don't see or smell cause it gets burned off.

Could try cleaning the carbs to see if they are all gummed up or may need a rebuild.

My .02 worth

Re: Outboard repair question
 

When the gas is running out, is the motor tilted up or down? I don't know what the he11 it really matters though either way - to me it shouldn't leak gas but I have heard of Mercury outboards doing that when tilted up just after shutting them down.

Re: Outboard repair question
 

I agree with MJ, sounds like the carbs. I rebuilt my carbs on an 84 115 evinrude after a similar problem. I actually could see gas flowing out of the front of the carb. Usually a piece of debris gets caught in the needle seat and prevents the needle from seating properly. Carb rebuilding is fairly easy if you have a service manual.

Re: Outboard repair question
 

SPeaking of Mercs. I have a 200 Black-Max. I tried to start it with the engine titled, but always flooded. I've been since told that with Merc's, you must hav ethe engine tilted all th eway down in order for them to start.
I wish I had something other then a Merc.
Mike.

Re: Outboard repair question
 

I was always a Johnson guy.

I had a merc once and it was a strong motor!! But they have there odd things.
I hated the way they started the most!! Always started but it took a few trys, and when fishing rips and other areas you need it to start in half a turn and thats what the Johnson did!

I am now with Yamaha and they are Just as good as the Johnson if not a bit better, so when its time to get another motor I will be looking at Johnson& Yamaha again

Re: Outboard repair question
 

I had a in line 6cyl 90hp Merc that did the same thing,when you tilted the motor up [usually after the boat was clean] all the gas in the carbs would flow out right into the transom well. >:(