1977 Merc 850

[Bluewater84]

So I took the carbs off of my motor yesterday to give them a good cleaning. As I got them back together and went to install them, the plastic linkage that connects the two butterflies on the carbs snapped!! Actually it just fell apart because it’s a 40 year old piece of plastic! LOL! Anyways, my question is does anyone have a Sierra # or a source to get another one. I looked at one or two and it was like $35. That can’t be right can it? Thanks for the help!

 

[racerone]

Looks like that part is NLA.-----Sellers often know this.------Your location ?

 

[Bluewater84]

North Alabama

 

[racerone]

Lots of used ones in my area.-----But I repair parts like that using JB weld and single strands of fiberglass woven material.----Takes time but works.

 

[Bluewater84]

I thought about that. Most all of it is still there. Just needs some touch up. Thanks! Say I do get it back together or get a new one. Is it better to install it after the carbs are already on the motor so I don’t break it again?

 

[racerone]

No -----you install that part and slide both carburetors onto the studs at once.

 

[Faztbullet]

If your close try Leon's for a used one and Airport Marne for new...

 

[Faztbullet]

Try Leon's for a used one or TN Valley....

 

[Bluewater84]

Ok thanks. I’m going to repair it with fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Wrap the cloth around it and paint the epoxy over it. I think it will be strong enough to hold. Thoughts?

 

[Mercurylips]

If you are in a hurry to go fishing, repair it. I would buy another one and keep one for a spare. When I rebuilt my carbs I put the first carb in and then the second with the link and that worked. I left the first carb hanging loose on the studs, however.

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, how about reinforcing it with a piece of light angle iron? Probably a bit of electrical tape to bind them together, is all you will need.

 

[Bluewater84]

It’s currently drying now. I super glued the two pieces back together but was missing a good portion of one side. I slowly glued and wrapped the tack cloth like a bandage and glued in between each layer and then doused the whole thing in JB bond. It basically turned into fiberglass and is rock hard now. It’ll be a short term fix until I track down a replacement at the local boat shop (hopefully)

 

[Bluewater84]

Got it back together. I tried to do another topic post but not sure if it posted. I’m. It getting anything. Not even a sputter. It cranked the very first time I tried it and then nothing. Compression is good. Carb is cleaned. Getting new plugs tomorrow. What am I missing?