1975 merc 20hp not running good

Hoss34

Recruit
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
3
I just bought a boat with a 75' 20hp Mercury outboard. The motor seems to start hard, many pulls and use of starter fluid required. When it's running the top end seems to be there, but it makes short cut outs when wide open. Some times when held wide open it will almost die then catch itself and keep going. When at a slow troll it runs fine. This is what i have done to the motor so far.<br />1. Emptied gas can and cleaned it out, new gas and oil 50:1.<br />2. new fuel line and squeeze bulb.<br />3. new plugs, spark looks dull but ok.<br />4. compression test 90psi and about 100psi on the two cylinders.<br />5. took carb off cleaned it with carb cleaner best i could.<br />Engine is having the same problems before and after i worked on it. <br />So, is it electrical, timing, or carb? I bought the Seloc manual for it, but it doesn't really have a good trouble shooting guide.<br />any suggestions would be appreciated.<br />Thanks.
 

Jango

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
132
Re: 1975 merc 20hp not running good

Take a look at: http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=17;t=012963 <br /><br />I bought my 20HP Merc new in 1975. It has been always a good Motor until now having some similar problems that you are having. <br />It has ALWAYS started hard. You need to learn when it has enough choke. Mine starts as follows: During initial start up - Choke out for one pull only, Normally will start with one or two additional pulls. After warm up, Starts great with NO choke. <br />Good luck
 
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