Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

My mercury 140 (pre-alpha outdrive) was stalling at any speed above idle. I replaced the fuel lines and filters (which weren't letting much fuel through)and I'm about to put it back in the water but something occurred to me--if I override the gear selector and start it in neutral, it won't start running unless the throttle is set very low. If I try to rev it in neutral it just dies. Is there some kind of interface that keeps it from firing in neutral if the throttle is set too high? A mercury switch or something else that grounds it out? Is it possible that this interface is somehow kicking in when the engine is in gear? <br /><br />Thanks as always<br /><br />Steve<br />1971 Glasply

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

does the accelorator pump work when you goose the throttle? you can disconnect the cable at the carb to do this yourself, dont do it while its running.

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

I'll be checking the accelerator pump tomorrow, but I'm fairly sure it's working. What concerns me is that I don't get anything at all past idle when in neutral. Even with a bad accelerator pump I'd expect it to bog down and then pick up, but as soon as I get the butterfly to open at all, the engine dies. If I put it in gear and open the throttle, it revs up fine, leading me to believe that there's some kind of cut-out mechanism. I just wanted to know if that's a possibility before I launch it again. One of those "If I fix eleven different things at the same time, the problem will go away and I'll never know which one it was, but if I fixed all eleven things individually it would never solve the problem" things.

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

No interface that I know of....<br />Revs up under load or on the muffs?<br />So you are saying it won't rev in the trottle only position but it will in gear? <br />Do what BenC suggests & post back......JK

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

If I goose the throttle very quickly, I get a strong atomized spray. If I push it any slower I get a dribble of fuel. I guess that means it's not doing what it should?<br /><br />And yes, Haut Medoc, it revs when in gear and on the muffs, but not when in neutral and on the muffs. <br /><br />I think it's interesting how people use the term "rebuilt" as though it's a permanent condition. This carb was allegedly rebuilt. Silly me, I assumed that if anyone would claim a rebuild, that rebuild would have been done in the past year or so. What happens when you assume? You spend the hottest weekend in June looking at a disassembled carb.

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

A rebuilt carb is only as good as the rebuilder....<br />You might get a better reply if you can identify the make for one, & the model....<br />There are several different Holleys.....<br />You should think about getting yourself a Merc. manual #2........JK

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

the only thing it could be is the neutral switch at back of the control. some early models it was located on an arm on the shift plate.

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

Sorry, I guess I should have identified it. It's a Rochester 2 barrel with two mixture adjust screws. It has the internal fuel filter, which I just replaced. <br /><br />I do have the Seloc manual that covers the engine and outdrive, but I wasn't sure where to look for the neutral switch. Not knowing whether it's a mercury switch on the throttle arm, a lockout on the control box or something strictly electrical made it hard for me to look it up. Thanks, BenC. I'll take a look on the control box.

Re: Merc 140 won't run above idle. Lockout switch?

the shift plate is mounted on the engine. look there for a shift switch also.