Mercury Carb Problem

I have an 84′ Merc 50 with some carb issues. I know what the problem is already but not sure how to fix it properly. The problem is the outside edge of the floats eventually get stuck on a brass tab that fits under where the flaot bowl meets the body of the carb. I have bent the tabs back so they wont impede the float from doing its thing, but this is the second time around and I’m tired of tearing down my carbs and doing it every year. I want to throw out the tabs because they dont look like they do much of anything but thats probably the wrong thing to do. Can I shave the edge of the foam floats a bit so they dont rub on the tabs or will that ruin the floats and cause them to leak? Thanks for any tips.

I would say, to avoid any headaches, purchase a manual r go to http://forums.iboats.com/ they have a great forums section for all makes of motors. They are very helpful.

lee

Tim, might be time just to buy the new parts and quit screwing around with the old already altered parts. A couple floats and needles dont cost a whole lot for that thing, and will likely take care of your problems for years.

I have the same motor sitting here, but I havent had to pull the carbs apart. I am not a big fan of trying to remedy anything in a carb. In the long run, it usually comes back to haunt you.

Are you sure you have your needles connected properly and they arent worn out hanging you up? The float should not have much play outside of the required movement. The pins that hold the float proper?

It just sounds like something is wrong.

Thank you, I will post there.

I hear you Dave. I will probably end up getting some new parts but I dont want to deal with this issue in the future, Its almost like the floats are too big since they keep rubbing on the edge of the bowl. I can see it clear as day. They are just too darn close, especially with that brass tab in between. The needles are clean and free, so I think they are fine. I just need clearance for the floats.

I would just put all new carb kits in each carb. It’s relatively easy if you put time into it. Adjusting the carbs after installation may be the only thing you need help with. I put all new carb kits in a 50 Merc a couple years back, and after I had them adjusted it ran pretty nice.

Replace the floats and I think your problem will be gone. It sounds like you have some play where the float is held by the pin. You cant really crimp it tighter because it might hang up and cause even more problems. Is it possible you have a little bit of crud on that pin causing the float to hang up?