83 Merc will not run

[Jamie123]

I have a 1983 mercury 50hp 2 stroke that I've been working on and it will not run unless I choke it up and down constantly. I've cleaned both carbs and checked for spark everything checks out. If I spray premix in the carb on start it it would idle a very short time then dies after a few seconds. Anyone have any idea of what the problem could be?

 

[racerone]

Open low speed mixture needles 1/4 turn at a time and test again.

 

[Jamie123]

Still no luck

 

[makomark]

what happens if you get it running (idle) and keep squeezing the primer bulb (gently)?

 

[Jamie123]

what happens if you get it running (idle) and keep squeezing the primer bulb (gently)?

It dies

 

[FishinLite]

What is the compression?
If it is good, go back to the carbs...