HELP!! 1987 Merc 115 Carberators

[85Predictor]

Just bought my Predictor. Ran it for about 1.5 days before having problems. Idles fine but will not throttle up.
I found black crap in the fuel filter today. Most was in the "inlet" side but I did see some in the "outlet" side. It feels like rubber particles. (Fuel line/Bulb breaking down??)

At this point I feel that some of this has made its way to the 3 carbs which were re-kited right before I bought the boat.

Question: How difficult is it to disassemble and clean a carb? I have re-built 4-barrel carbs years ago on my Mopar. Are there any small parts which will fly through the air??

THANKS!!

[85Predictor]

Just bought my Predictor. Ran it for about 1.5 days before having problems. Idles fine but will not throttle up.
I found black crap in the fuel filter today. Most was in the "inlet" side but I did see some in the "outlet" side. It feels like rubber particles. (Fuel line/Bulb breaking down??)

At this point I feel that some of this has made its way to the 3 carbs which were re-kited right before I bought the boat.

Question: How difficult is it to disassemble and clean a carb? I have re-built 4-barrel carbs years ago on my Mopar. Are there any small parts which will fly through the air??

THANKS!!

[Chris]

85, I assume you have a built in fuel tank? Try to find the source of the crud before you do anything. Once you eliminate the contamination then worry about cleaning up the carbs.

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[85Predictor]

Yes the tank is built-in.
The marina, which did the work, pulled and cleaned the tank. They said they found dirt and water in it. Maybe they should have checked the filter??
I plan on replacing the fuel line. It is gray in color. Does this mean it is original or just beat to death by the sun?
Are the carbs hard to do??
Thanks!!

[Chris]

Well, the contamination could come from the fuel system or from the fuel source. Typically most gas pumps have pretty elaborate filtering systems that keep both water and particles from passing through them. So it's just my guess that as long as your not pouring from dirty cans or something, you shouldn't be getting dirty gas. I would check the rubber inlet line that runs into the tank from the filler cap. That line is usually rubber and perhaps it is starting to dry rot and break down a bit. You should also check the small fuel line running out of the tank, see if it's flexible (it should be) and also what condition the rubber is in. If it looks like it has seen better days, it might be safe insurance to replace it. For some reason, I have the sneaking suspicion it's not that line though, it sounds like it is either the big filler line going into the tank, or someone was filling from dirty cans and contaminated the system. Just my .02 cents. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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[85Predictor]

Sounds good!

Hate to repeat myself. The carbs... fairly easy to clean??

Thanks for the help/advice!!

[Chris]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 85predictor:
Sounds good!

Hate to repeat myself. The carbs... fairly easy to clean??

Thanks for the help/advice!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I guess it depends on your skill level. I clean the carbs on my small motors myself. But I stray away from the muliple guys, I find cleaning them pretty simple but setting them up properly can be tricky. I'm sure a number of the boys around here can guide you through it though. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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[Bill]

First, your carbs are easy to clean. Second, fuel lines made before 1986 are rubber and will break down very easy from the inside, especially from alcohol based gas. 1086 and newer fule lines are a neoprene based which are made to handle the alcohol. The grey that comes from the tank to the motor may be okay, but do not forget to replace the 2" fill hose. Most of the time this is forgotten when replacing fuel hoses. Also be sure to replace the hose from the inside of the cowling to the carb, that is forgotten very often also. Most comonly, these very small pieces of rubber will get caught in an oriface or in the float.

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[Bill]

That was 1986 and newer, not 1086, sorry

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[85Predictor]

Bill,
Thanks for the info!
Would automotive fuel lines work OK in an outboard and fuel tank? The closest marina is 1 hour away.

Thanks !!

[bakedgoods222]

I have a 1988 115 on a 88 Predictor first off No Alcohol based gas Major No No on a merc outboard or any outboard it eats up everything, as far as the carbs not too easy not too hard take you time the repair kit is Merc part # 1395-4808-1 I am a parts manager for a Mercury dealer and just went through this. check your anti siphon valve coming off the gas tank for debri and make sure it is functioning correctly (little ball bearing w/ a spring) also the grey fuel line is factory merc gas line this it totaly normal, clean the carbs don't worry about syncing the carbs this it automatic the run off each other with the little black plastic connectors all the way down. One thing I would do is let a merc dealer check the timing I ran mine without timing it and detonated #4 Cyl. $1,600.00 mistake Dealer cost!! just a reminder the inline 6 is a great motor when it is set up right and very expensive to rebuild or fix. and also don't overlook the Reeds they have a 4 and 5 petal S.S. setup that runs off the crank if you droped a reed set you also will not run up. this is all from experience, I finaly got my 115 running like it should, learn from my mistakes, if you have any questions in the future e mail me at bakedgoods222@yahoo.com I will get you any part numbers or advise you need. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif
P.S. if you need any parts just let me know I can send you anything you need via Credit card

Life's A Bore on Shore!!

[Bill]

85predictor, I personally do not recommed anything auto for marine application. Similar to Bakedgoods222, I used to be a service manager in the marine business and spent alot of time at school because of alcohol based fuels. Plane and simple, wether you run a 2003 motor or a vintage outboard, it i junk fuel, no matter what precautions you take. www.westmarine.com (http://www.westmarine.com) can get you what you need for all types of fuel hoses and sizes, also check with a NAPA by you if there is one, and ask themif they have Marine Grade fuel lines. It must be coast guard approved to be legal. Bakedgoods might be able to sellyou what you need also and get it out via your favourite shipper too.
I also recommend you pick up a service manuel. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

2003 ZT 240 6.2litre/Bravo 320 H.P. 24p Bravo 1

[Al]

Hey predictor. I just installed a new gas tank for my boat and found the same stuff inside the 1-1/2 fill line that came with the installion kit. It is saw dust from them cutting the line. I bet that when the marina pulled the tank they put on a new fill line but didn't clean it out after they cut it

[85Predictor]

Thanks!
After pulling the tank I can't help but wonder how they cleaned it. The tank was definitely not removed recently!! (Cleaned in place?)
Looked good inside. I cleaned the carbs.
Problem ended up being a bad stator and bad switchbox. $509.00 OUCH!!
Seems to run real well now. Hope not to have this happen every year!! Just want to enjoy it!!