Mercury 115 Optimax - Throttle Pause

[BaltimoreJK]

Guys, I've got a 2004 Mercury 115 Optimax 2 Stroke. It is hooked up to a 2004 Tahoe Q3
I just purchased it last year near the end of the season and had the same issue then. I use the boat for typical riding around and ski/wake boarding

If I move the throttle from being in gear but very low RPM's to trying to take off quicker (instead of gradual) so I can pick up a skier it has a pause and almost tries to die. I've searched the forums and tried to find if anyone else had that issue, I am thinking it may be Carbs? Any info would be nice.

 

[Chris1956]

Well, if you had carbs, it might be them. An Optimax is a direct injection outboard. You will see some throttle bodies, with throttle plates, but they only allow oil into the crankcase. You might clean your compressor air filter, and change the water separator, if you have not done so. What condition are the spark plugs?

 

[BaltimoreJK]

Hmm. I feel stupid now.....I changed the plugs this year as well as the water separator. I guess I'll look into the compressor air filter.

 

[BaltimoreJK]

The serial number is 0T916230, When I go to a Mercury parts site carburetor parts are available?

 

[Willdiver]

Hook up a portable fuel tank, this will isolate if it's a motor issue, or fuel tank/hoses issue. Tiny cracks in the hoses and priming ball, or a kinked fuel vent hose act a lot like this.