noobie help for mercury 40

Hello all, first time outboard owner and first post, seems like a wealth of knowledge here, so here is my problem. First off used the boat one week ago with no problems (2003 2 stroke Merc. 40 hp).

Yesterday, the engine had intermittent problems running below 3000 rpm on start up. Engine starts right up and runs OK above 3000 in neutral for as long as you want to sit there. But sputters and dies as you back down rpm to put it in gear. Throttle control mechanism is such that you cannot keep the idle raised and put in gear, but have to go to idle first, then engage forward or reverse.

The first few times this happened I let it run for 30 seconds or so and was able to get it in gear fast enough to get under way. By late in the day, engine just would not run under 3000.

Reading through some previous posts sounds like it could be idle circuit or maybe siphon valve?

I have noticed that whether the primer bulb gets hard is erratic. Seems to depend on where you hold it (above or below fuel tank?).

Any ideas are certainly appreciated. Dave.

Re: noobie help for mercury 40

dave,

depending on how old the rig is you might consider buying a new primer bulb to ensure its not your problem. I would also change any feul filters you might have, water separator etc..spark plugs...

its a good start to know your feul delivery is clean.. next i would look into a manual for your engine. its odd to me that your engine cant idle but you can burn 300orpm on the tach... i'm sure the guys on this site can help...they certainly have helped me!!

carbs are another thing to look at..if i recall there are high speed and loww speed ports on them and if the lows are clogged or dirty you could stave for feul at low idle..

this is why i say a manual is a good thing..