[Riecus]

I have a 1988 90hp outboard Mariner 3 carb motor. With a new tank of gas it will start and idle for a minute then die when i put it in gear. In order to start it again I have to engage the throttle about 3 quarters then slam it in gear at full throttle just to go. The engine will not take much more of that. It also has trouble idleing at 3mph and when you back off full throttle to troll it dies. I went through 6 gallons of gas in 30 minutes trolling at 3.5 mph. I can cruise around for atleast 5hrs at full throttle. To add to the list I have noticed that when i stop i tend to have a pretty big slick behind me. When i pull the cover off i noticed that the carbs leaked a fair amount of gas. It seems like a lot to me but i'm no mechanic. I have replaced the fuel filter, bulb and hose, and all 6 plugs. I ran it once in the lake after that and I still had problems. I pulled a plug out and it is black. Please help. I am mechanically inclined to an extent. The only mechanic I know that works on outboards charges $75 an hour so if this is something I can fix I would rather do that.

[Laddies]

First quit slamming it in gear or you will have a unit to repair also. You have dirty carbs and need to get them cleaned.

[Chris1956]

I agree with Laddies, however, I recommend you inspect/rebuild the fuel pump as well. If the fuel pump diaghram leaks you will dump a lot of unburned fuel overboard, idle wil be affected. the motor will loadup at idle etc...

[Riecus]

I have only popped it in gear like that twice. I know its bad that is why I have been landlocked. So how do I figure out the serial numbers i need for a carb kit, and the parts for rebuilding the fuel pump?

[renoduckman]

Hi i have an 1988 Merc 80hp and im guesing its the exact same engine. I fought more than one problem on mine but i have to agree with the group. Check your fuel pump. Mine was leaking fuel into the engine. Clean carbs also. Not that hard to do. Let me know what you find. Im just wondering

[Riecus]

HOw do I go about finding the parts for my boat