Puzzled engine feels like it locks up going into gear 76 850 merc

[surfin bob]

On the land with ears on , the engine runs great and goes into forward and reverse with no problem . In the water when putting it in gear it dies like it is locked up . Bring it home hook up ears and does fine . This has happened both times i have tried to take her out and test run. Not a stalling issue , just bam and it's off , Look forward to any advise , Thanks for reviewing .

 

[racerone]

Re: Puzzled engine feels like it locks up going into gear 76 850 merc

Well it is NOT running great on the hose, it only sounds to be running great to an untrained ear.----------It stalls in the water because suddenly the motor has to work to move water.-----------Start with a history on this.----New to you motor ?------Take a compression test on it.----Then check to make sure there is spark on all 4 that will jump a gap of say 3/8" or more, does it do that yes or no ?---Checked for water in the fuel ?-----Perhaps it just needs low speed jets opened up 1/4 turn each.

 

[surfin bob]

Re: Puzzled engine feels like it locks up going into gear 76 850 merc

Thanks for your response , Yes it is a new motor to me , In the next couple days i will address the areas you mentioned and see where that takes me . Again thank you .

 

[surfin bob]

Re: Puzzled engine feels like it locks up going into gear 76 850 merc

Did compression test , got 149 on all 4 with no bleed down , spark is great , drained fuel cell and refilled with prem , oil , and sea foam . eng runs great . turned rpms down to 1000 on land was at 1800 . think throttle cable is stretched adjusted it . put in water twice sense , use to do the same in reverse bam and quit , now no reverse in water but have it on land , forward still goes bam and quits , lower unit ? It was replaced with a used one by previous owner , maybe why it was for sale .