'73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

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newguy7

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Mar 20, 2006
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I just took over a '73 Mercury 850 and have been trying to get it running. I rebuilt the carbs to stop some leaking. Now I have good spark on all 4 wires, good compression, and I know gas is getting to the chambers. Yet, all I can get it to do is crank but it won't ever fire...I'm at a total loss, anyone have any suggestions?
 
timmathis

timmathis

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Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

Some of the old mercs you just about have to flood them to start cold. Try pumpimg the bulb until hard then give 2 or 3 extra hard slow pumps also make sure motor is all the way down. Some people use a spray bottle with pre mix fuel and spray down the carbs. be careful and don't start a fire! Hope that this helps, Tim
 
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newguy7

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Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

just tried that and it worked! you're a genius! thanks a lot!
 
timmathis

timmathis

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Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

Now newguy7 I would run a good dose of seafoam in the fuel and you may be supprised on how much easy-r it may start. Alot of times it will help clean out the fuel supply and make it start better. <br />Glad I was able to help, Tim
 
timmathis

timmathis

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Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

P.S. And welcome to iboats. <br /> Tim Mathis
 
Texasmark

Texasmark

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Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

Hey Tim,<br /><br />You get the Attaboy. Feels good doesn't it? Being able to help someone and it work....course they have to participate too; but when they do and it works; like this example...... Must be one reason we surf this site.<br /><br />Mark
 
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italianguyy

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May 28, 2008
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Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

timmathis said:
Now newguy7 I would run a good dose of seafoam in the fuel and you may be supprised on how much easy-r it may start. Alot of times it will help clean out the fuel supply and make it start better. <br />Glad I was able to help, Tim
Click to expand...
tim i have same motor it runs a1 but its been sitting a while in storage what should i do before starting it ? is it ok to start up ?
 
ddennis

ddennis

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2006
Messages
351
Re: '73 Mercury 850...I'm stumped

Welcome to Iboats...that was a 2 year old post you dug up! How long has it been in storage? search for the "awakening a sleeping outboard" post.
 
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