Motor won't go forward

[Paul L]

My Mercury 500 50HP motor will start. I connect the water hose, or use a pail, and put the motor in drive, propeller spins! But everytime I take the motor to the lake, I put the motor in drive, and it dies, it moves a couple feet, and propeller goes, then stops after a few rotations of the propeller, why does it do this!?<br /><br />------------------<br />Paul L<br />paulscomputer@hotmail.com

 

[Backlash]

Re: Motor won't go forward

Paul, Are you saying the engine stops when you put it in gear? Or does the engine continue to run but the prop stops rotating after a few spins? How well does the engine run on the hose? It helps if you can be as specific as possible when describing symptoms.

 

[Paul L]

Re: Motor won't go forward

I have to admit, I'm new at this! The boat works well when the water hose it hooked up. Everytime we take it to the lake, we start it, no problem. Put the boat in gear, and the propeller spins for a couple seconds, pushing the boat like a couple feet, and dies. Everytime it does this! And ooopse!!! I realized that the vent isn't open on the gas tank, think this is the problem!?

<br /><br />------------------<br />Paul L<br />paulscomputer@hotmail.com

 

[Paul L]

Re: Motor won't go forward

Motor DIES, dead silence!

 

[Paul L]

Re: Motor won't go forward

Nevermind, I've tried it with the vent open, any other ideas why it won't go!?

 

[Paul L]

Re: Motor won't go forward

Won't even go in a bucket of water.. just tried it!

 

[Backlash]

Re: Motor won't go forward

Paul, I'd check all fittings in the fuel system to make sure you're not sucking air. Start where the fuel line exits the tank & tighten every clamp/fitting all the way to the carburators. Of course, always ensure the tank is vented. If that doesn't take care of the problem, I'd say the carbs need to be cleaned. There are other things you could try but I'd start with this. Good luck & keep us posted.

 

[Paul L]

Re: Motor won't go forward

I replaced the gases hoses, they were in poor shape. Still won't go in DRIVE. (In the bucket, but with a hose hook up, yes) How do I clean the carbs!? I take them out, then what!? And also if anyone could give me the year of this motor, here's the serial # 2951989.