1988 Mercury 60hp problems

[mikew8541]

This motor is on a 88 bass tracker, that I recently refurbished and redecked. I have owned this boat for years.

I put the boat in the water a few days ago and it ran GREAT!! Yesterday while fishing the boat seemed to bog down. I thought it was low on fuel and in fact it was. I just figured I was running out of fuel. I put new fresh fuel in the tank and it seemed to run ok for a short time, but still not up to full power, some sputtering and still sounded fuel starved.

Now the motor seems to run about 1/2 normal speed and has a serious power loss. I am rather handy, however unfortunatly I lack the knowledge to know where to begin and what to do to resolve this issue.

The motor runs fine when I raise the throtle lever, and it reaches full rpms, also when I apply power with the prop out of the water and water muffs on it reaches full rpms. The problem only seems to happen when the motor is in the water under load.

This motor was rebuilt about 6 years ago after the auto oil injector failed and the motor failed. Now I mix the fuel myself and it has always run great.

The serial number of the boat is :OB343738

Thanks for creating such a great informative site.

Any help is certainly appreciated.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

That sounds like a dirty carb, pull them and clean them, while your at it install a full pump kit

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

dosent sound to difficult ill give that a try as my starting point...thanks for the help.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

Other thing, since you said it happened at low fuel level may be goo in the fuel was sucked into the fuel line.

If you have ever used a fuel stabilizer/water eliminator, they contain alcohol. Alcohol combines with the water in the fuel and makes a gooey blob.

On a 125 engine I had I was blasting across the lake and the engine died. In short, I had a gooey blob which made it's way up the fuel line to the connector that mates to the engine. That's where it stopped and it cut off the fuel. If yours is not as big as mine it may be partially blocking your fuel supply.

The way I found it was to remove the connector from the fuel line and pumped the bulb. It pushed it right out. Solved my problem.

But there are other things as mentioned.

Mark

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

im going into town in a few minutes and im going to just purchase a new fuel line assembly. mine dosent seem to mate tightly to the motor as it should. I will also check and see if there is any blockage of the pick up tube and keep refering here as i go through the process of trying to solve this. makes sence check the simple things first.

regards
mike

 

[Smig]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

...when I apply power with the prop out of the water and water muffs on it reaches full rpms.

from what I have been reading, don't run it over 1500 rpm out of the water (even with muffs). It's a good way to kill your engine.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong here.

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

whoa i didnt know that. i checked the fuel system and it seems all clear there. guess my next thing to try is pull and soak/clean the carbs. im also going to replace all the plugs and look into getting a spark detector to make sure its firing on all 3 cylinders as ive been accused of not firing on all cylinders consistently myself. ill stay in touch and thanks for all the replys and help.


Mike

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

ok fuel line filters and related periferals are all ok. all 3 plugs have spark (who knew it hurt that much) *kidding*. all 3 spark plugs replaced as well as a new gasket installed on the cooling jacket ( I didnt even know it was leaking). carbeurators soaking as we speak and well see what happens...also new fuel pump rebuild kit is on its way. thanks for all your help. dang after 18 years in the marines i get to be a cadet here....there is no justice in life hahahaha.

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

problem solved. in fact its running better than ever. i dont know which part was the solution but thanks for all your help and ideas.


full mugs tight lines to all

mike

 

[Jerry Beebe]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

Hi,
I've got the 60 that came before yours ob343140 and am in the process of rebuild. The top cyl cooked and spit the rings. I bought it that way for a good price thinking I would probably have to do this. I didn't expect to have to buy all 3 pistons at 100.00 each and don't think I would have had to but I didn't want to mix 2 ring and 3 ring pistons. They told me not to (to sell 2 more pistons) I think. Anyway I'm guessing it either lost fuel on the top cyl or got a steam pocket and got hot. What ever it was it did a number on it. I am getting close to turning the key with my fingers crossed. New pistons, water pump kit, fuel pump kit, water hoses, gas hoses, filter and fuel bulb and hose. I'll let you know how it comes out.......................Jerry

 

[mikew8541]

Re: 1988 Mercury 60hp problems

I had mine rebuilt about 5 years ago, after the oil injector failed. Let me know how things go.

Mike