60's Merc 200 Outboard Runs but won't rev out

[tcatrt]

I tried to run my 20 hp twin merc outboard yesterday and found it wouldn't rev out. It starts, but appears to run rich. It is has a hand tiller throttle. Once started, it runs rough. It won't go into gear at an idle and so must be revved up a little. Once in gear it is doggy, has little power, and acts almost like the timing is several retarded. I stopped it and started it about a dozen times, in each case it behaved the same. It would not idle down to run at trolling speed. Whenever I tried that, after a 10-20 seconds, it would stall out.<br /><br />Does anybody have any idea where I should start looking?<br /><br />------------------<br />tj

 

[norman158]

Re: 60's Merc 200 Outboard Runs but won't rev out

how old is the fuel? and what do the plugs look like? wet-dry? sounds like its only running one one cyl to me

 

[tcatrt]

Re: 60's Merc 200 Outboard Runs but won't rev out

Thanks. The fuel was freshly mixed into a new plastic tank. I'm confident that was okay. I didn't check the plug condition, but will.<br /><br />------------------<br />tj