1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

F

frednick1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
44
My 8HP Mariner usually runs fantastically.

It's a 1985 Mariner - Model OB353637

But today it wouldn't run unless I disconnected the gas line and when it was about to run out of gas, hook it up for a few seconds so it could get a little more gas to get me home. It would flood badly and gas came out of the overflow holes on top of the carb if I pumped the bulb or left the fuel line connected. The float bowl was obviously overflowing.

I took the carb off when I got home and found that the float was filled about 3/4 of the way with gas. I found NO holes or cracks. I found no place where the gas could get in or out. No wet or damp spots where it was coming out. I shook it and even tapped it but no gas came out. I punched a hole in it with a small nail and let the gas out. I let it dry out in the sun.

It's just a plain donut shaped float made of nylon. It looks like a small white hockey puck with a hole in the center. 1.5" round hollow disk X 3.4" thick. The center hole is 5/8".

Questions:

1. Can I repair this float? What glue will not melt in a constant bath of gasoline? I could melt some nylon over the small hole and wipe it with a hot dental instrument to smooth it out. I'm a dentist, so stuff like this is normal for me.

2. I can't seem to find a replacement part online. Can anyone send me the part number for this float?

Thanks for your help.

Frednick1
 
Last edited:
E

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
Re: 1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

Probably not a good fix to glue it; I don't know what would even hold in this application.

Although my dentist replaced a bunch of my old fillings with the new composite-type; they seem pretty strong but I haven't tried soaking them in gas to see if they hold!!!!

I suppose if you're able to effectively melt the plastic, it might fuse together and become fuel-tight. But you'd have to find the specific area that was leaking in the first place.

I'm thinkin' that you can find your part # here:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/SelectModelType3.asp?class_id=2

Check under the Mariner section, find the model # corresponding to your motor.

Here's a diagram that might be just like yours, I'm just guessing here but the #'s look like they're for a Mariner (Yamaha clone) motor:

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...94809/9.png&inbr=1487&bnbr=9&bdesc=CARBURETOR

HTH...........ed
 
F

frednick1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
44
Re: 1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

Thanks.

I have a manual. Actually, I have several manuals.

Your parts info reference was not correct but I did find the right one on that site and got the part number. They want 30.00 for it. That's 5.00 for the part and 25.00 for shipping. The part weighs less than one ounce. That's a little steep for me and I think I will look for it locally now that I have a OEM Part number.

If I don't find it, I will give them a call and see if I can get a little bit lower shipping. I did find a spare in an old carb from a junk motor, so my motor will work but I would like to have a new float in there. I don't like to be out on the lake and have the motor fail. It's just not good karma.

I may try to fix the old one just for fun and put it in a bottle of gas to test my repair. If I do, I will let you know how it worked.

Thanks for your very helpful advice.

Frednick1
 
mthieme

mthieme

Captain
Joined
Oct 6, 2007
Messages
3,270
Re: 1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

I have not had success trying to repair plastic floats.
They're cheap enough - spring for a new one.
Matter of fact, if you have it removed, I'd throw a carb kit it in too.
 
F

frednick1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
44
Re: 1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

Hi everyone who answered my request for info:

Thanks for your help. I found a new float locally for 5.80. No shipping!

It fits perfectly and I plan to use it tomorrow fishing on my favorite lake. The part number (just in case you want it) is MARINER 1395-91691.

I put a gasket kit in this carb in the spring but there was no new float in the kit. The one that was in there looked fine, so I wasn't too worried about it.

Too bad we can't tell what the future will bring. If we could, we would all be millionaires.

Thanks again for your help.

Frednick1
 
F

frednick1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
44
Re: 1985 Mariner 8HP Float Filled With Gas

Well, the new float took care of the problem. It starts right up and runs ok but I can't get it to idle for very long unless I put it in gear and run it fast. I tried all the different positions of the brass idle screw and it still isn't right. Any help? OOPS! forgot to try the idle speed setting on the CHOKE Knob. I'll try that next time out and get back to you.

BTW, when I went back to try to fix the old float, I found that my son had tossed it. It's in a local landfill now. So there won't be any reports on how to repair them here.

Norm
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top