1983 50HP Merc Gas Leak

[Bob VandenBoom]

" I recently aquired a 1983 50

" I recently aquired a 1983 50HP Merc outboard. Started great, but is spurting gas out through a threaded screw/bolt located on the lower carb on the air intake face. The threaded screw/bolt has a hole through the shaft. It looks like an easy fix, but with little experience with outboards I don't know what the hole is for. Any hints?
Thanks "

 

[tonyob]

" Bob,

I believe the screw/

" Bob,

I believe the screw/bolt you are refering to is the economizer jet, which allows some air to be drawn into the idle fuel as it leaves the float chamber. If fuel is spurting out from here or the vent, it means the the float valve is not sealing properly. You should obtain a carb kit and remove the carb for a rebuild.

Tony "