I have a 1998 8hp Mercury that I purchased new. It has had very little use and very little maintenance. The last time I had it in the water I could not get it to start.<br /><br />Figuring old fuel (1 yr) was the problem, I disposed of the old and started with fresh fuel, a new tank, line, and primer bulb.<br /><br />The motor would start on the 1st pull and run fine on full choke. When it is taken off of full choke, it seems to starve for fuel and dies within about 10 seconds. If choked again it will stay running.<br /><br />I pulled the carb, disassembled, and cleaned with Gumout, though the carb did not have a varnish buildup and everything looked very clean. Reassembled and had the same results.<br /><br />The local shop suggested I might have fouled up the check ball in the primer system. I disassembled again and made sure the ball was seated properly. All gaskets, diaphrams, and springs look good throughout the carb and fuel pump. Reassembled and had the same results.<br /><br />Other notes: The new tank and bulb seem to act odd. The bulb doesn't really get firm like on my old tank. I have tried two new bulbs. When squeezed, you can see it push back into the tank. I have only a small amount of fuel in the tank (1/2 gal) Also, the seal on top of the primer system looks like it may be leaking a small amount of fuel when pumped. It is just slightly wet.<br /><br />I realize this message looks so similar to so many prior ones, but I am stumped. Sorry so long winded! Thanks for any input!
