gas leaking out bottom of throttle shaft

[pilot9099]

I have a 1986 115 hp. merc and it runs great at WOT. I rebuilt the carbs, new gaskets, needle and seats, new jets, adjusted floats, I even put new throttle shafts in the carbs. They did appear to have very little play, but the housings are worn somewhat. The trouble is during idling, gas seems to build up from the top carb and the middle carb, and drips down the throttle shafts and runs down and eventually drips down the bottom carb's throttle shaft also. The gas leak is worse when I shut the engine off and let it set for a while. It is a steady drip about every 10 seconds or so, for about 30 mins. to an hour. and then quits. It's driving me crazy! Also the motor seems to load up on gas when at low speeds just above. idle. When it's cold, starts right up will idle great about 800-1000 rpm when trying to motor around up to the dock slowly it wants to die. Sorry to be so long, but wanted to try and explain everything I've done.Can gas leak down these shafts because they're worn? Or due I have other problems like incorrect float levels. I've even taken the top off to inspect the float level and it's about 1 and 1/4 inch from the top of the bowel, not overflowing. I just don't know where the gas is coming from to drip down the throttle shafts like it does. If I could fix the leak maybe the loading up issue at low speeds would stop, or at least I could deal with it, I hate gas leaks. Please someone help, with any ideas. Thanks! I have only had this boat a month and a half and I have an online manual, but am ordering a book.

 

[sam am I]

Perhaps something in this thread might help


http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engin...rburetor-leaks

 

[racerone]

It is the nature of that carburetor to leak past worn throttle shafts.---Perhaps if you trim it right down the fuel will run past the shaft and into the engine.

 

[Chris1956]

Likely your floats are set too high, or are not sealing properly.

 

[pilot9099]

Im afraid to drop the float levels too much as maybe it would run too lean? could that happen? It leaks a drop of gas every 10-20 seconds even idling in the driveway with muffs on, as well as putting around on the lake at 5-10 mph. It quits leaking so much only at higher revs and speeds. The throttle shafts don't really wiggle or appear to be terribly worn, only just maybe a couple thousandths. Does anyone know if it is the nature of this motor to load up at lower rpms? When you try to start it after sitting on the water for an hour, it acts a little flooded. Maybe this could be a sign of the floats too high, any ideas on this? I did put all new gaskets and needle and seats all the carbs and set the flot drop and level according to specs. I have put a lot of automotive carbs together so I'm no stranger to carb rebuilds. Thanks for any ideas to try, I just don't want to burn the motor up.

 

[racerone]

Are the bleed inserts still in place.---Usually 3 of the 5 are missing.----One of those inline 6 motors will idle all day long if properly set up.

 

[pilot9099]

Thanks for the input, took the tops off the bowels and two of them have the floats too high somehow, I thought I did it right evidently not, I will readjust them and fill them with gas and recheck them and pray it will be the fix I need. Will let you know if it stops the leaking by lowering the floats. Thanks again, and for any other ideas.