60hp Mercury 2 Stroke - power issues

[Rapid Response]

OK, with other problems now under control... my next issue.. Engine Problems!

60hp Mercury 2 Stroke dated 1996 auto lube.

Basically I had to feather the throttle, while featuring the fast idle control just to keep the engine from stalling at any speed. When I finally got the balance the Rib took off and flew.... but as soon as I powered off for a larger wave etc I lost all power. It was hard at times to maintain 5 knots without stalling.

Engine looks like its been very well looked after but may be overdue a service.

Spark plugs look past their best so I've removed them ready to replace them.

I am wondering if the fuel pump is functioning correctly? Or maybe the ignition module controlling the spark faulty? Auto lube mix incorrect? Fuel filter if it hasn't been changed? (if the plugs were bad then perhaps this is too?) Possible engine breathing issues?

I have played with car engines for years and my experience says poor spark or fuel starvation, but I'm sure marine engines have a bit more going on being a 2 stroke.

Throttle cables seem ok. Throttle bodies seem clean and open freely with the loud stick... everything seems well greased and clean from dirt.

Engine sounds "normal". Actually quieter than I expected, smooth when going into gear, and when it did plane, very smooth power delivery.

I have to admit I am a little baffled. Any suggestions on where to start before I have to pay an expert?

[Rapid Response]

Can I add I don't think it was flooding as when I engaged the choke, it actually made it run a little better... hence my theory of fuel starvation.

[uncle al]

clean the carbs, check the mixture setting, float height.
does it go better if the primer bulb is pressed? if so fuel pump kit required, if there is dirt /water in the fuel, go to my first line.
correct spark plugs?
a Bad electrical/earth connection?
I would replace fuel filters as a matter of course.

[Rapid Response]

I will take the carbs off and clean them...

Plugs are right but did need changing. They were well past their best

Will check the fuel bulb trick...

The fuel was all fresh on the day... but I will change the fuel filter too... when I find it!

[davej]

I have one of these and its a bril little engine, very light for the hp and in my experience very reliable. However, I have disabled the auto lube and pre mix, just because it was old and if it went wrong the motor will be scrap.

Certainly do all that is suggested, I buy my bits from Key Parts in Watford ( actually think its now in Kings Langley)

I complete kit of service bits plugs, impellor, in line filter, gear oil, fuel pump kit comes to about 60£.

I am sure your motor will be fine just needs a bit of TLC.

Dave

[paintman]

Fuel tank breather not blocked?

[Rapid Response]

Originally Posted by paintman

Fuel tank breather not blocked?

I don't think so. The push fitting looks ok, the connections look clean and we considered this when out on the water and opened up the auxiliary tank outlet/inlet a little to ensure the tank could breath and there was no change in performance.

I am leaning towards fecked spark plugs and perhaps a dirty gunged up carb butterfly.