Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

Joined
Jan 18, 2010
Messages
8
I have a 1996 Mercury 25 HP outboard pull start. 11 months ago I took it to a mechanic to do some work to it, because it had been sitting for 6 years in storage. After having it serviced, I was not able to use it, because I had some problems with the boat and the trailer. Now that all that's fixed, I tried to start it, and no go. No gas is getting to the carb, even after pulling the priming knob and pumping the priming bulb. I unscrewed the sight bowl, cleaned the filter screen, and replaced. When I pumped the priming bulb on the portable gas tank, the bowl only filled up half way, because the lines after the bowl became pressurized, not allowing any more gas in the sight bowl. I removed the line to the carb, to check for obstructions, but it was clear. Shouldn't there be gas squirting into the carb, when the priming knob is pulled out and the bulb on the tank is squeezed? Sure could use some advice.
 

crem1

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 30, 2005
Messages
365
Re: Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

If you are not getting gas to the carburator then it's a possible problem at the fuel pump and beyond. Did you open the vent to the gas tank?
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

Dirty carb, needle/float stuck closed.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2010
Messages
8
Re: Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

Dirty carb, needle/float stuck closed.
Lindy, that's what I was afraid of. I take it I'll have to take the carb off the engine, and disassemble to check this, right? I've never done this before, but I bought the service manual, so I guess I'll attempt it. I just can't afford another repair bill. I also noticed in the manual that there is a check ball in the primer system. I wonder if that could be stuck closed, too. ???
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

Not a difficult job, just scary the first time. Take your time. The hardest part is getting the carb off and back on. Once it's off, cleaning and rebuilding is not that hard. Get a carb kit which will have all the parts.
 
Joined
Jan 18, 2010
Messages
8
Re: Mercury25 carb not getting gas.

Well, thanks, everyone for your help. I was finally able to get the problem fixed. Today, I took the carburetor off, and cleaned everything really good with SEAFOAM. It unstuck the jet needle and the priming chamber check ball. It started right up, and I left it run for about 15 minutes, shooting SEAFOAM into the air intake a couple times. I'll not let it sit this long again.
 
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