[hodge36_]

I pray someone can help me. I have a 1999 mercury 90hp ELPTO 2 stroke (3 carburetors). It was having a real problem running. It would stall, then quit after a few minutes of running and couldn't be re-started. Thank goodness for Seatow. I replaced the fuel lines, cleaned the carbs, cleaned the fuel tank, new spark plugs, and had the fuel pump rebuilt. Same problem. I then had 3 separate mechanics tell me that it sounds like the stador had gone bad. I replaced that with a used one that was in good working order. I have a solid spark on all 3 plugs. It still will not start unless you spray starter fluid in the carb. It will then start and run. Could someone give me any idea why this is what it is and how to fix it? I want to go fishing/duck hunting and time is the only thing running over here.

 

[BigE818]

Re clean all three carbs and carefully blow them out with air, I used the canned air, like for computer keboards, Walmart or anywhere. I had to do all three of my carbs twice...And watch the plastic pieces.. I broke them down totally and and sprayed them with card cleaner. People will also tell you to soak them overnight in carb cleaner. remember it only takes a speck of anything or some varnish on there.

 

[hodge36_]

I spoke with a mechanic today and he said the rings may be collapsing and would need to be bored out and overhauled to the tune of around $1700.00. I figure that if I check the compression and one or all are low, then it could be the rings. If only one has low compression then that would be the only one with a ring problem. I would think that just replacing the rings without boring it out would do OK.

 

[BigE818]

you can rent the compression checker at autozone if you don't have one. If it not the cylinder the back to the carbs.... which is what I think it is cause of the spraying of the starter fluid works.

 

[sundrop]

do a compression test. if its low a good honest mechanic can measure the cylinders and see if you just need new rings not a full blown rebuild. I have re ringed many for $300 in parts and been just fine. You may also have a stuck ring, it doesn't move in the cylinder like it should so it leaks compression, this can be remedied by a thorough cylinder cleaning with ring free or stabil. The pump may not be rebuilt properly either.

 

[sundrop]

oh be VERY careful with starter fluid especially on a 2 stroke it will lean the cylinders and cause damage.

 

[hodge36_]

thanx guys for all the info. I'm going to check the compression tomorrow and post what I find.

 

[Mechanic Bob]

Sometimes compression will be misleading and you could actually have blow by. But I do not think your carbs are really clean. Idle jets could be plugged and that would be your problem. I would disassemble and use a solvent, not carb cleaner, a torch tip cleaner to clean all the ports.

 

[204Angler]

Had the exact same problem on an older 'Rude 150XP. Carbs took about 3 cleanings...be careful soaking plastic carb parts in carb cleaner over night. Motor started ran after that however it did have low compression and that was the ultimate reason for hard starting. Cylinders don't necessarily need to be bored for a re-ring...but will need honing which you can get a hone for your drill and do it yourself

 

[hodge36_]

It's taken me a while, but I checked the compression today and it registered 120 in all 3 cylinders. I was told by a mechanic that the reading should be 115-134 with no more than a 5 lb. difference. Since they are all the same, I guess it's back to the carbs unless anyone has another idea.

 

[BigE818]

Carbs...... Look at it this way... Each time you get quicker and better doin it!

 

[hodge36_]

I feel ready for a Bassmaster Classic pit crew.