1983 MERCURY 90hp HARD TO START!!!!

Hello all,
I have a 1983 Mercury 90hp Inline 6 that is very hard to start. Once I finally get the motor to start it idles nicely, runs great and starts up every time unless I let it set over night. I am thinking that it may not be choking correctly? It smells like its flooded and the number 2 carb does drip quite a bit of fuel when I sqeeze the primer ball and even for a few minutes after the motor is turned off. Is there any way to find out if it is the choke? Does anyone have an idea on what it might be or does it just need a total carb(s) rebuild . I just recently bought the boat and motor. It has good compression and new plugs. It did set up for a couple of years inside of a garage. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Re: 1983 MERCURY 90hp HARD TO START!!!!

The carbs should not be dripping fuel like that. You need to rebuild them using new gaskets, needle and seats.

Re: 1983 MERCURY 90hp HARD TO START!!!!

these engines are hard to start, increase the idle lever when starting. That year has an "enricher" valve as a choke. To see if it's working pull the hose off where it goes in the engine, turn the key as if you're trying to start her and see if fuel comes out. This dumps fuel directly into the block instead of covering the carbs. You can also hear a very soft "click" when you push they key in if you can have a friend do it and get next to the motor.