Stuck float on a 2001 15HP Merc 4-strk.

[hle]

I've got a stuck float on my 15HP Mercury Bigfoot 4-stroke. I'm wondering if this is something I can fix myself (and how), or do I need to bring it do the dealer to have it done? This happened 2 years ago when the motor was under warranty and I had the dealer fix it. Thanks for your help!

[perchjerker]

Sure you can fix a stuck float yourself if you are mechanically inclined. I have the same motor, I had to take the carb apart once to clean it, but for a different problem. Its simple enough. I cant really give you a blow-by-blow description, though.

First, though, are you sure its stuck? Did you try giving the motor a good shake first to try to unstick it? What exactly is it doing to make you think its stuck? What did the dealer do? Did they replace the float or anything or just unstick it? Did you run it out of gas when you stored it for the winter?

Sorry about all the questions, but it would help to know exactly whats going on. The float shouldnt just stick like that.

If you are sure thats what it is, I would either buy a good manual for the motor or try to get one from a library.

[Eye catcher]

Tap the side a the float bowl with a wrench while your buddy squeezes the primer bulb.

[mrbreeze]

I don't know how common this is, but it keeps popping up. Search the archive and you'll find a few other discussions about this.

Evidently, Merc has a kit that replaces the float, gasket and few other odds and ends. Sounds like the culprit has been ethanol. Check with your dealer, some fix it under warranty and others don't...but that's another discussion. It's worth knowing though that it is common enough that the kit does exist.

Let us know how you do...I have a 15 with no problems...yet.

Breeeze

[hle]

Thanks for the info.

The motor is displays the following symptoms: won't start (obviously), and leeks gas when trying to start (cranking over). If I pull the engine cowling off, there is a small metal plate on top of the carb that's about 1 inch square. I've removed this, and fuel pours out of the exposed "ports" when I squeeze the bulb. I don't know it this is supposed to be a normal function or not, just trying to let you know what I've seen.

The last time this happened, the motor was still under warranty so I took it in to the dealer to be repaired. They told me the float was stuck.

Last night, I decided to pull the carb. off and give it a good bath in carb cleaner before I brought it in to the dealer. It was really pretty simple...about a 30 min job for 2 guys not really knowing what they were doing. I managed to find the float and make sure it was rotating properly. Put the whole thing back together and it started right up!

I believe the problem is a result of ethanol in the gasoline I was using. From now on it's high octane and Seafoam.....hopefully this won't happen again.

Overall, I'd say the motor is great....probably just poor maintenance on my part that led to this problem.

Thanks again for your help.

[mrbreeze]

Thanks for the follow-up. I've seen this before. Gas was actually POURING out of the top of the carb from under that plate wasn't it? Makes a mess on the water.

Glad you got it fixed.

mrbreeze

[johnp034]

Don't blame yourself for poor maintenance. Who ever heard of having to take a carburator apart as part of maintenance? Merc. seems to be the only manufacture having this carb problem with their small motors. Why can't they come up with a fix BEFORE they deliver them to the dealers? And then they have the b#@ls to not honor it under warranty? I almost bought a 15hp Merc. kicker to match the other black piece of junk on the back.

Glad I kept my Honda!

[Wardog]

Had the same problem on my 9.9 after only 6 months and Merc said its not covered.. This year had to spend 140.00 on a carb kit.. And the tech did some work to the float.. And I still had to pay for it..Merc YOUR MOTORS SUCK... I have two black piles of crap on my boat and HATE them.....

[pete]

Boy's if you don't like your mercs sell them, and quite taking up my computer screen with your tears. Also I'm getting sick of looking at you 4lb. walleye that looks like he drank to much of your amsoil,please remove the picture. Peace

[johnp034]

Sorry fella, if you don't like the picture of my 8lb.8oz. walleye, I didn't put it there to impress you. I also didn't give him any Amsoil to drink, but I did put a little 5W-30 on the jig I caught him on. And if your happy with your Merc.(if you own one) tell us all about how wonderful it is, and none of the problems you've had with it.

[detroiter]

5W30? Some would call that pollution. Did you ask Sark if that was the best technique hahaha. There is no way that is an 8 pound fish. See you on the water John!!!

DT

[johnp034]

If you look up www.dwfonline.com and look at last years tournament in may, you'll see that I took big fish honors ($535.00) with the same fish, (same picture) 8lbs. 8oz. Its not a fish story. And if you still don't believe it, Oh well!

[Wardog]

Would love to sell the merc's I have.. But because the one say's Optimax on it I have been unable to trade or sell I had one offer 3500.00 well thats a little short.. Its looks like I'll have to take a large loss and sell the Boat Motors and trailer.. I wish I could make merc make up the loss I have to take because of the Optimax on the back.. But trust me I let everyone know the poor support I've gotten form merc's people..And todate I have 6 people the bought Yamaha over Merc's. MERC the Shop Call Not The Water....

[perchjerker]

Heres a link to the pic of John's fish.

http://www.dwfonline.com/2002_tournament_2.htm

As for those poor souls who dont believe it, must be because they have never been up close and personal before with a nice fish like that.

[johnp034]

Thanx P.J. I appreciate the support, and as usual, your extrordinary judge in character!

[dppeter]

I have a 2000 15HP Merc 4-stroke, same problem with the sticking float. I have to make sure that I do not pump the primer bulb too hard or gas will flow out of the carb and flood the motor. I never use ethanol in my small engines, so ethanol is not the problem. I use Seaform in each tank of gas. My guess is a faulty carb/float design causing it to hang up a times.