1985 35hp Tan Stripe Mercury-Carb Needle Valve and Seat

[ericick2003]

Whats the best way to replace the carb. needle valve and seat There are two, hinged, float tabs in the way of unscrewing the seat and retaining the needle. Should I (1) pull out the hinge pins for the tabs or (2) bend the one tab to get it out of the way, replace said seat/needle, and bend it back after I'm done? Also, as a retest... should there be absolutely NO gas dribbling into the throat when pumping the priming ball hard? Even if pumping really hard? How does the motor get any gas when its trying to run???

[alcan]

Don't bend the levers, pull out the pins. bend only slitely to adjust float level. If you squeeze real hard you can blow by the float valve. As the motor runs it draws fuel from the bowl, as the bowl empties the float drops opening the valve, which lets in more fuel. Works just like a toilet.