what could be wrong

[crappie lover ken]

i have a 85 or 86 mercury 60hp outboard and i have to slam it into gear to get it to go. if i don't slam it into gear it dies. what could be the problem with this. i'd liek to ease into my start offs instead of full speed ahead. :'(

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: what could be wrong

not sync and linked correctly
get the manual

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: what could be wrong

what is your idle rpm? have you check compression. they can run great with low compression until the load is put on it. you need to find the problem before you damage the lower unit.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: what could be wrong

Ken, If your compression is good, and the carbs are clean, check the idle speed and timing. If these check out OK, you may have the idle mixture set too lean to accelerate.