[mercwoe]

1984 merc 150hp leaks gas at low speed and quits outright after short run at 2500 rpm.

mechanic says floats in carburetors are swollen and hanging up.

probably due to ethanol in gas

only floats of same material are available so replacement would lead to same problem

anyone know if he is right? is there a solution?

thanks in advance for any help.

[daveswaves]

Sounds like the "mechanic" doesn't want to work on your motor. Carb kits are readily available and the carbs are not complicated. Nothing to do with ethanol in fuel ( IMHO).

[j_martin]

If the float is foam, it's probably sunk, and would be no matter what gas you ran in it. It's also 20 years old.

If the float is a hard plastic and it doesn't leak, it's fine.

There are aftermarket floats that will work fine.

hope it helps
John