[lclarke]

I just bought a boat with a 2000 50HP Mercury outboard 4 stroke. Runs great in the driveway in neutral, forward, and reverse. I put it in the lake, starts fine, but chokes out when I put it in gear. I put new gas in the tank, but it still happens. Ideas? Thanks.

[swist]

Classic sign of lean carb condition. You need a carb cleaning/rebuild.

[spinningprop]

I have had the same problem with mine. Had a new carb kit put in, new diaphram in the fuel pumps, engine tuned, new plugs, fresh gas, new fuel line, and still the same problem. It works great in the driveway. It won't open up in the water though unless I pump the fuel ball. Any other suggestions? Bad fuel tank...bad fuel hose ends...timing????

[DutchMerc]

I am verry happy to hear it's not just me who is having this problem... I have almost rebuild my Merc 402 40HP completely, ignition, plugs, carb, waterpump, fuelpump, gastank and bulb, and still te same problem. The only thing i can think of is timing, wich i know is crusial for power under load. I found out this is verry hard to set on the driveway, because it is almost imposible to go full throttle. I've been in and out of the water for several times now, and still did not get it right. I'll try try again next weekend, i just made some minor adjustments today...

[avius]

Originally Posted by spinningprop

I have had the same problem with mine. Had a new carb kit put in, new diaphram in the fuel pumps, engine tuned, new plugs, fresh gas, new fuel line, and still the same problem. It works great in the driveway. It won't open up in the water though unless I pump the fuel ball. Any other suggestions? Bad fuel tank...bad fuel hose ends...timing????

I'm no expert, but I just read a post that said if your motor boggs with WOT and will stop bogging when you squeeze the primer bulb then it is an indication of a bad fuel pump. Just thought I'd throw it out there since I just read it. Hope it helps.