1984/85 35hp thermostat question

[SigTauSherman]

I have what I believe is a 1984 or 85 35 hp mercury outboard. The carbs and fuel line were serviced last year and the timing adjusted. It seemed to be running well this year until this weekend. It started fine and ran well, after running for a bit I stopped and fished, then started again and came back down river. When I slowed to just about as slow as possible while still in gear it died and wouldn’t start. I waited about 10 minutes and it reluctantly started. I got close to the ramp and slowed and it died again. I waited and then it started again, ran for a few then died when I slowed down. I guessed it was overheating but there was water coming from the tell tale hole. It seemed like a thermostat from things I had read and I tried to locate it. I removed the “Thermostat and coils mounting bracket” but there was no thermostat. I then read that some old mercurys don’t have them. This makes me wonder should there be a thermostat there and what else could be causing this problem because if there is no stuck thermostat that’s not the issue. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[jimmbo]

Welcome to iboats

That sounds more like a Fuel issue, than an a Hot Engine issue. Why are you thinking it is overheating? Just because the carbs and the rest of the fuel system were services/cleaned last year, doesn't mean they aren't dirty/gummed up again this year.