1987 50 HP Mercury

jhish

Recruit
Joined
Jul 9, 2007
Messages
1
Boat and motor are new to me. the outboard starts perfectly right away every time however has a little trouble idling and according to the previous owner should do about 40 mph....however during sea trials :) yesterday I could only get a weak 6 mph. It's a 14'2" fiberglass v-hull bassboat....the motor is original equipment so it's the right size. Anyone have any thoughts....I'm not really a gear head....

thanks!
 

DuckOfDeath

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
70
Re: 1987 50 HP Mercury

Start by checking that you have spark on all cylinders. Get an inline spark plug tester or remove the spark plug wires one at a time while running the motor on muffs or in the water. If the motor doesn't chage its sound when you pull a plug wire.....it's likely not firing.
 

RHRMC

Recruit
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
1
Re: 1987 50 HP Mercury

I had the same problem with my 50hp. I had the carbs rebuilt & problem was cured. The jets were bad in the carbs.
 

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: 1987 50 HP Mercury

1) check spark on all cylinders

2) check compression -probably fine

if that is good, assume gunk in a carb(s).

40 mph is a little optimistic for the boat you described. 30-35 would be more realistic.
 
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