1985 Mercury 150 XR2 Bogs Down At Take Off

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Flattop44

Recruit
Joined
Apr 29, 2009
Messages
2
My 1985 Merc 150 XR2 was running great at the end of the season last year, I winterized it and when I started it this year I have this problem. The motor started right off and will run up to high rpms when not in gear. However it does not idle and sounds like it could have a miss. It will die when you put it in gear and try to accelerate. Take it out of gear and it will start again. It will limp around in gear at about 1000 rpm but die if accelerated. Any help will be most appreciated.
 
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CharlieB

Vice Admiral
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Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: 1985 Mercury 150 XR2 Bogs Down At Take Off

You could have two problems

one the carbs may be a little dirty from the fuel drying out over the winter, leaving and greasy/crusty film restricting idle fuel and air passages.

two, spark plugs may be partially fouled out from the fogging oil used.

Clean the carbs and change plugs, that often works wonders in the Spring.

Also, how old is the water pump impeller, 2 years or more and you might want to change it, it is cheap insurance against overheating that engine once you get it running right!
 
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FireCapt

Cadet
Joined
Apr 20, 2009
Messages
18
Re: 1985 Mercury 150 XR2 Bogs Down At Take Off

My motor was doing the EXACT SAME THING as yours is doing right now. It was fixed by completely draining the fuel cell (I had an ethanol/water mixture at the bottom of mine) and refilling with fresh fuel. I then drained the carbs and pumped some of the new fresh gas through. There was an immediate difference and the motor has been running great since.

BTW, I now always run fuel stabilizer.
 
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Flattop44

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Apr 29, 2009
Messages
2
Re: 1985 Mercury 150 XR2 Bogs Down At Take Off

Good advise! It looks like the engine fogging helped to foul the three year old plugs. I put in a new set today and it is running like a new one. Thanks for the help.
FT44
 
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