Boats & Motors
50 HP Mercury 2-stroke losing power at wide open throttle
5/26/14 @ 9:32 PM
Like the title says, 1999 50 HP Merc 2-stroke losing power at wide open throttle. Things that have been suggested from bar stool Merc techs: fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel line/primer ball.
What I know...
Primer ball in the fuel line seems to be holding firm. First time I pumped the ball this weekend it didn't "release" and stayed compressed. Didn't have a problem like that after the first pump.
First time this happened I was running WOT approximate 30 seconds and the motor died as if I pulled the kill switch. Kill switch was not pulled and in the run position. Could not restart immediately. Checked plug wires and fuses, everything OK.
Idled fine prior and continued to idle fine, wouldn't die at idle RPM's. Approximately half throttle, it bogs a bit and seems to not be getting full power. Boat/motor doesn't want to "pop" on the hole shot and plan out like usual. Seems to be starving for fuel as if the primer ball isn't firm, but the ball is firm.
Day two this weekend, idled around fine in the morning. When I was done fishing, I did the test run back to the launch. Same thing, motor died at WOT after approximately a minute.
Good water pressure, no over heat alarm. I was having issues with low pressure and over heating two years ago and replaced the impeller at the start of last year which resolved the issue.
Fresh gas, had approximately a gallon left from last year, but topped off with 9 gallons of fresh fuel this year. Ran seafoam through the motor last year, only put 2 tanks of gas through it last year.
What I don't know (yet):
Condition of the carb, fuel pump or filter.
Compression at the plugs (plugs look fine and were replaced last year or year prior, I only run the motor approximately 20 hours a year)
If any of you Lake-link brain trusts were to start throwing parts at it given all the information above, where would you start? Fuel pump? Fuel line/ball? Fuel filter? Carb?
Appreciate any help or advice you guys can offer.
Displaying 21 to 29 of 29 posts
Displaying 21 to 29 of 29 posts