Expert: Everett Peacock - 1/21/2010

Question
Ever since I purchased my Merc OB, I have had cold running issues. Once warmed up seems fine. also usually bad idle problems with motor dying and seemingly loading up on gas. I have adjusted the carb to two turns out on all three but still issue and after adjusting it really loads up when you start  from idle to accelerate it you do it to quickly, motor stalls. Could a rebuild kit for the carbs be in order or just taking out the three adjustment needles and cleaning or replacing....is the a common problem with older merc's?

Answer
might not need kits...new gaskets orings,and float are with some kits.
Pull the carbs, dissasemble them and clean..clean all passages in the carb with spray carb cleaner..if the gaskets do not break then you should reassemble them and test..start the needle The mixture screw adjustment should start at one and a half turns from all the way in..adjust them to get the highest rpm's while idling in gear, if in the water..