carb flooding

[muskiedaze]

I have a 97 merc 2-stroke 50 HP 3 cylinder tiller. it was flooding out at trolling speed. (gas all over the water) i took off the airbox and noticed gas comming out of a small brass tube at the mouth of #3 carb and pouring into the engine cowling (scarey, eh?) and down into the carb. I figured a stuck float. I removed the carb and cleaned the needle and seat. the needle has a rubber tip and didn't seem worn. replaced the carb and it still flooded. I removed the carb again and bent the tab on the float up just a tad and presto, no more flooding. Now, a year later, # 2 carb is pulling the same trick. BTW,fuel filter is squeaky clean. Could trailering on rough roads be causing this? I have not a clue. whadda ya think?<br />Thanks, john

 

[12Footer]

Re: carb flooding

Old fuel is the major cause of this, and it's not uncommon at all. It only takes 90days in the heat of summer to turn fuel into varnish. Also, a jelly-like bacteria can grow inside the gas tank.<br />Before ripping-into the carb,try the old ramp trick of thumping the bowl with a screwdriver handle,while your buddy squeezes the primer. Many times, that's all it takes to un-stick one,and that sure beats loading her back up.<br />Sure, it doesn't allways werk,and sometimes, it werkz,but happens again...But it sure can't hurt to try.

 

[muskiedaze]

Re: carb flooding

12, I did try tapping the bowl, but it never occurred to me to squeeze the bulb at the same time. sounds like a good trick. old gas?? nah, there ain't no cobwebs growing in my boat. thanks for the input.<br />john