Mercury 50 hp won't go faster than 5 mph

I have a 1973 50 hp mercury with dual carbs. This problem is intermittant. Usual top speed is 30 mph. Problem is sometimes it loses power and won't go faster than 5mph. Plugs are new. Squeeze bulb has pressure. Fuel filter/screens are clear. Tank is vented and clean. Problem may last ten minutes or half a day when it suddenly begins to clear it's throat and slowly pick up speed and runs fine until next episode. I have discovered that when it is acting up that I can press electric choke repeatedly and engine surges which leads me to believe problem is fuel related (starving for gas) Does this sound like a carb. problem or fuel pump???? Or what else??? This has been going on for two years now off and on.

Re: Mercury 50 hp won't go faster than 5 mph

My 115 merc did that right before it put a rod through the block........

Re: Mercury 50 hp won't go faster than 5 mph

Carry a squirt can of premix with you. When engine iz doing the bad thing, give it a shot or two of fuel in the carbs then get back to us and tell us what happens. O-K?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty