Expert: Everett Peacock - 1/18/2012

Question
Hello.I recently bought a 1987 bass tracker with a chap mercury that came with boat originally?Boat is in good shape and im 2nd owner but it sat for sometime.Recently had a mobile outboard mechanic check it out and just to name a few parts replaced,Stator,all new fuel lines carbs rebuilt,water pump and more?I took it out and it starts fine but when i idle down from cold start and try to get in gear it stalls?He came back and re=adjusted carbs and lake tested and said its fixed.Its not fixed and i want to use boat and not wait days for him and also don't want to pay anymore $$?I am a little mechanically inclined and believe the idle just needs to be turned up a little?Could you Please suggest anything i can do so i dont have to let boat sit any longer?Also another Question.I took it out the other day and got in some VERY HEAVY hydrilla which got tangled up in lower unit causing motor to overheat bad?Got home and pulled plugs and checked comptrssion.#1-115,2#2-115,#3-110.Only problem that worrys me is top cyl plug had some small metal particles burnt on the end?after overheating i let it cool down and then started up and ran fine.Now i need a professionals opinion?thanks

Answer
Ok you have a few things going on....first, the model and horsepower would help......
the idle adjustment is on the side that the cables run in to..where the top cable attaches to the advance arm is where the idle screw is.; but I need more info to be exact....

As for the top plug.....not good...the metal you saw on the plug, is part of your piston....overheating will cause the top cylinder to burn first...It may last a few hours or more no way of telling...without dissasembly...but some damage has been done....

You can still have good compression with the sides of the piston damaged...

If you are fairly mechanical, have a hoist, and have and can use a timing light then you could  more than likely replace the powerhead yourself...with some techinical help...

If I can help.....  docksidemarine12@aol.com

Everett Peacock
804-761-8536