2003mercury60
08-19-2010, 06:27 PM
I have limited knowledge of outboards and don't want to get taken by a marina if possible, I bought a 2003 mercury 60 3cyl. used and it doesn't seem to want to idle very long. It does seem like the ball stays primed. when i can get it to idle it will occasionally make periodic backfires (pops) and small amount of smoke out the prop while running it with the muffs on. when on the lake it would die when i approach the dock and go to shift into reverse. I replaced the plugs and checked compression today and anywhere from 115-120 on all three. On occasion i would hear a chattering type time noise last year when i had it running but cracked the gas cap and it went away back to the rumble of an outboard??? not sure what that is about it is on a tracker pro 17 boat. Tried to start it today but would only crank. I am thinking of taking it to a local marina but was looking for some suggestions what the problems may be so i can go in there w/knowledge if anyone wants to put 2 cents in. I have also been advised to take apart and clean the carbs. Thanks, ( i know i sound like that spouse that comes home and says the car is making a funny noise:o) Oh yeah, occasionally when i have the throttle engaged (ie button pushed in so not in gear) it won't crank at all, take it out will crank, engage throttle in neutral and work this time...my first boat starting to sound true as being a hole in the water you throw money into!:D