Outboard now starts and dies...

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gregcope

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2003 Mariner 3.3...

starting problems appear to be solved. I did my own service inc new plug.

Starts first pull, which was a surprise.

But no longer runs for more than a few seconds or gets much over half throttle before dyeing. Run time is variable.

Suspect the float/needle and have disassembled the carb. Checks the fuel runs from the pipe - small but appreciable flow, would empty the tank in 10 mins or so.

Any clues on a post card (or reply to this thread)?

Thanks.
 
gregcope said:
2003 Mariner 3.3...

starting problems appear to be solved. I did my own service inc new plug.

Starts first pull, which was a surprise.

But no longer runs for more than a few seconds or gets much over half throttle before dyeing. Run time is variable.

Suspect the float/needle and have disassembled the carb. Checks the fuel runs from the pipe - small but appreciable flow, would empty the tank in 10 mins or so.

Any clues on a post card (or reply to this thread)?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Had a similar problem with my 3.5 johnson. The float chamber was full of crud after sitting over winter unused. Took the carb appart and cleaned the float and chamber, now going like dream.
 
Modern unleaded petrol "goes off" and after a few months throws a clear jelly like substance which clogs up the jets. I always drain the tank at the beginning of the season and use a filter funnel to remove the precipitate.
Usually dropping the bowl and cleaning it is enough. Oh for my old Seagull...
 
On my Tohatsu 3.5 (same engine - Different badge) there is a filter between the tank and the fuel tap (it is very small). I find that it needs cleaning at the begining of each season. Empty the tank and disconnect the valve and you will find the filter although it might be awkward to remove. You can just see the filter in the tank from the filler cap but you will need light outside the tank to see it.
 
How about the choke stuck on. Happened to me once, the linkage came adrift leaving the choke closed.


gregcope said:
2003 Mariner 3.3...

starting problems appear to be solved. I did my own service inc new plug.

Starts first pull, which was a surprise.

But no longer runs for more than a few seconds or gets much over half throttle before dyeing. Run time is variable.

Suspect the float/needle and have disassembled the carb. Checks the fuel runs from the pipe - small but appreciable flow, would empty the tank in 10 mins or so.

Any clues on a post card (or reply to this thread)?

Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
I had exactly that problem with the same engine and eventually bit the bullet and got it seviced (not cheap) however the issue was the needle sticking in the slide allegedly because of stickiness left by residue from the oil in the fuel mix. I was advised to shut off the engine in future by closing the fuel tap and running it dry to keep it clean. I've done so and not had a problem since.
 
Thanks all.

Carb strip and reassemble seems to have cured it. Well it started, rev'ed and ran for 10 minutes.

Slight weep of well at bottom of float chamber, so suspect carb float chamber gasket could be duff.

Any ideas where I can get a new one?
 
Any Mercury/mariner agent. Any Tohatsu agent.
See the websites to find a dealer near you.


Oakley Marine aka Outboards Direct in Brighton are Mariner agents IIRC and good for mail order spares.

Willsmarine are agents for Mercury. Also good for mailorder spares

But fuel level is not likely to be high enough to leak from the joint at the top of the float chamber

Washer on drain plug ??? just a fibre washer from your hardware store will fix that i'd think
 
Last edited:
Good job I was sitting down when I got the price for the gaskets.

US supplier (boats.net) will not ship Parts to UK, but will only tell you this at checkout.
 
gregcope said:
Good job I was sitting down when I got the price for the gaskets.

US supplier (boats.net) will not ship Parts to UK, but will only tell you this at checkout.
Click to expand...

You must have missed the note in the parts lists that says , "To comply with Mercury policy, Boats.net will not ship OEM Mercury parts outside of the United States."
 
VicS,

Yes I did miss that bit. I also did not know Mercury owned Mariner, as I had thought that Brunswick Marine owned them!
 
gregcope said:
2003 Mariner 3.3...

starting problems appear to be solved. I did my own service inc new plug.

Starts first pull, which was a surprise.

But no longer runs for more than a few seconds or gets much over half throttle before dyeing. Run time is variable.

Suspect the float/needle and have disassembled the carb. Checks the fuel runs from the pipe - small but appreciable flow, would empty the tank in 10 mins or so.

Any clues on a post card (or reply to this thread)?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I had the same very frustrating problem.
Dirt in the fuel line.

I blew air back into the fuel tank clearing the fuel tank's internals filter.
I blew air back through the in line fuel filter.
Removed the carburetor, removed the float chamber and blew air through the main jet, and the float needle.
Reassembled, and result.
Engine fired first time, runs beautifully.

Result!
 
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