4.5 mercury outboards starts but theen dies

[gmoney158]

I have a 1977 4.5 mercury outboard - it's starts fine with the choke on, but dies when I switch to Fuel. what would be the cause of this? what happens if you run the motor with the choke for extended period of time?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 4.5 mercury outboards starts but theen dies

Nothing. The engine is running lean usually caused by a dirty carburetor. Pulling the choke just enriches the fuel air mixture to a level that the engine can sustain life. I think that engine uses a 3 gallon tank; I had one back in mid 70's, single cylinder. Dump a can of Sea Foam in the tank in addition to your regular 50:1 oil mix for one tank and by the time you have used it all up your problem may be a distant memory. If that doesn't work then you can take a more drastic approach and rebuild your carb. Sold at most auto parts stores, including ww. It was originally formulated for OMC as the story goes back in the '50's era. Been around a long time....Quality survives the test of time. Must work. I use it at the rate specified on the can with every tank of gas....but you have some cleaning up to do first.

Mark

 

[gmoney158]

Re: 4.5 mercury outboards starts but theen dies

Nothing. The engine is running lean usually caused by a dirty carburetor. Pulling the choke just enriches the fuel air mixture to a level that the engine can sustain life. I think that engine uses a 3 gallon tank; I had one back in mid 70's, single cylinder. Dump a can of Sea Foam in the tank in addition to your regular 50:1 oil mix for one tank and by the time you have used it all up your problem may be a distant memory. If that doesn't work then you can take a more drastic approach and rebuild your carb. Sold at most auto parts stores, including ww. It was originally formulated for OMC as the story goes back in the '50's era. Been around a long time....Quality survives the test of time. Must work. I use it at the rate specified on the can with every tank of gas....but you have some cleaning up to do first.

Mark

Thanks - your response is greatly appreciated. I actually have a 6 gallon tank on this motor - does that matter? Any help on a good book to get on mantaining and working on these engines?

eugene