problem with 3.3 hp merc

[shannie]

Hi, never had any problems with this engine since new, about 2004 (s/n OD999274), but now a strange one, as its intermittant....runs fine at slow speed, but when running at higher rpm, suddenly stalls out, like out of gas, and then will start again right away and run fine at slower speeds...but on last use, started occasionally stalling out at slow speed too, just like no gas flow, but will start right up again, and go for a while before cutting out..
Checked tank, gas quality, gas filter,gas lines, spark and spark plug...all OK.
Maybe a carb problem??? Any ideas/suggestions appreciated!!

 

[hotrod53]

Re: problem with 3.3 hp merc

I would say carb problems or fuel pump problem. You could be running out of fuel at high RPM because the pump is bad, or you may have a high speed jet clogged not allowing enough fuel at high speed. Either way, I would start by taking the carb apart and cleaning it. While its apart, the rebuild kits are cheap, might as well rebuild for piece of mind. The tank vent is open, right? Can you pump the ball at high speed and it keep running? If so, sounds like a fuel pump, if not, carb problem.

 

[shannie]

Re: problem with 3.3 hp merc

thanks, I agree, it seems the only 2 things possible are the carb or pump, and snce i did do the check by sqeezing the fuel line ball and it made no difference, it seems to be the carb....i'll get a rebuild kit and see if that makes all the difference, but it is strange how it works off and on, sometmes good a high rpm and sometimes a quick stall....