1979 Mercury 80HP Power Problems?

Question

I had my "new" boat in the water for the 1st time tonight. After a minute of run time, I dicovered no water coming out of the motor. Immediately shut it down, raised the motor and found that I stupidly left the ears on. Removed & restarted, now water flowed. Motor stalled repeatedly idling out into bay. Finally underway, it just seemed like there was no punch from the motor. At one point, I went to give it more throttle and found that it was at full throttle. It's only an 18' aluminum boat, it should move right along. Then I slowed down to idle for a few mintues then went underway again. As soon as I gave it throttle needed to get iton plane, the engine bogged down and stalled. After several attempts to restart, it came to life, rough idle. Went back into gear, stalled again. Finally had to rev up motor with idle throttle to get it going. Engine would only get to trolling speeds, anymore throttle and I would lose power and it would stall. Limped back to the docks@ 5mph. Any ideas?

Answer 1

you might have bad gas or a cylinder isnt working

Answer 2

Might be something as simple as having the breather on your gas tank closed! Make sure the nob on the gas tank is open so the tank can get air so your fuel hose doesnt colapse. That would cause sputtering, loss of power,boat shuttin off and everything else you described!

Answer 3

if you have a water sepperator change it if you dont could be carb problems

Answer 4

The first thing you need to do is find out if it is a fuel problem

or an electrical problem.I will give you a list of things to check.

1)do a compression check

2)check for spark on all 4 cylinders

3)check for fuel to both carbs.

4)when you do get running does the primer bulb stay hard?If not your fuel pump diaphragm needs replacing.

You say you just bought this boat?How long has the boat been sitting,not used?The carbs may be full of varnish from old fuel that has dried up.If so they will need to be cleaned.If you do these things and it does not work,write again with the details and I'll be glad to try and help.