2 Stroke runnin on 1

[foreverstrung]

That's what it feels like.
Dave here, to those that haven't been introduced, I'm new around here. I've recently inherited a 215 Explorer and brought it back here to Texas from Southern California, where it sat in it's slip for probably 8 to 10 months with only firing up the motor every couple weeks to keep it's juices flowin.
     Well, i've had it here for about 3 weeks now, I've only been able to take it out 3 times and only today for a good hop around the bay. The speedometer cable is not hooked up but my GPS says that my top speed was about 18mph. WTH. This was with full throttle.
     As I said last week, this is my 1st boat. Logically, 1st marine motor too. Mercury 200, an '01. I have no problem taking on the crown of "Idiot", if someone have a no brain-er I've overlooked.
     What are my options here? Mechanic,, $$$. I've ordered a manual from ebay, but does anyone out there have any thoughts. Is just a good tune up needed?
     I saw some video recently that had the quick connect flushing connector, "capped off" when not in use. I capped it off today, the last 2 times I did not and don't remember it being this lethargic. Does this flushing orifice have any influence?
Appreciate your thoughts.

[Unclebob]

Howdy fellow 215 Explorer owner. Is your Merc a 200 EFI? How handy are ya with a wrench? I brought back my 02 225 Merc EFI from sitting for 6 years, maybe I can help.

Is you alarm horn working? If not, fix it. If so, any beeps? I'll assume you've changed fuel filter/seperator. I would try running it on a remote fuel tank first. Then you'll know to troubleshooting fuel supply, or engine. This step will save ya lots of time.

The EFI isn't terribly complicated if we have to go there...

[foreverstrung]

Hey Bob, appreciate your input. It is a carbureted Mercury 200. And I feel stupid, but I won't lie, I have not changed the fuel filter separator, I know...I know. Next time I start her up it'll be in place. I am very handy with a wrench, and it seems logical to try a different fuel source to see how she responds. I've got a little over half a tank now and a gas prices, I'd sure hate to think it could go to waste, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[Blue Agave]

How old are the plugs?  Make sure the plug wires are firmly in place. Is the bottom of the boat free of barnacles or grow?

[GoneFission]

Just a guess, but this sounds like a switchbox problem.  Mercury V-6 outboards use a split system, with each switchbox running 3 cylinders.  I sounds like you are running on 3 instead of 6, hence the 18 MPH.  You can check it out by removing the plug wires from one bank of cylinders and see if it will run, then do the same for the other bank.  If it's a switchbox, it will not run at all with the plug wires removed on the bank with the good switchbox, but will run on 3 cylinders when the plug wires are removed on the bank with the bad switchbox.  

A new switchbox is not cheap, but you can pick them up on eBay for less $$$:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MERCURY-OUTBOAR ... 7f&vxp=mtr  

Check it out - good luck!

[Unclebob]

Does it make any difference if you choke the engine while running? What RPM's are you at during WOT?

Could be an ignition issue...and probably not a bad idea to do a quick check of spark on all cylinders...but..

Since your engine is carbed, and the engine has sat for a while..your #1 suspect is gonna be dirty carbs/plugged up jets. Have you went through the carbs yet? I assume not, since you have a manual on the way.

Even if you've never done it before, if you take pictures, and ask some questions, you can do this job in a day, easy. A gallon of carb cleaner, and a compressor (or air-in-a-can) is really all you need for the job. You may need carb kits if the gaskets are torn or your floats are crappy. Even if you do, the kits are cheap.

For any carbed outboard that isn't run good once a month, (on the water, not just idling) pulling and cleaning the carbs should be a part of yearly Preventative Maintenance, IMO.

[slvrlng]

Just to make sure, how many RPMs are you running at 18 MPH? If it is running lets say 5000 at 18 MPH then you probably have a spun prop hub. Is it really lethargic getting to the 18 mph or does the motor rev up and not much seem to happen?

When you try to accelerate does the motor seem to bog down with the stress? If it does then Unclbob's recommendation would be the first thing I would do.

Are you running the motor on muffs or just been using the port to flush it out? When you use the port the motor should not be running!

[foreverstrung]

Great stuff guys. I've rebuilt a few carbs in my day, been a bit, but still. I'll check plugs n wires too and check the switchbox as described. It'll probably be later in the week. I'll post a pic or two and report back after running through these directives.
Also, the tach and speedometer are not functioning, sure there not connected.
Cheers

[wingtime]

I think you have been given advice on all the possible problems that could be causing your problem.  With a two stroke the first thing you check when you have a problem is spark and compression.  If those are good and the timing is good the problem has to be fuel related.  Keep in mind if you have a lean carb or two not only are those cylinders not getting fuel they are not getting oil!  If it was my boat I would tear into the carbs no matter what just to see what is going on in there.  Even if you find and ignition problem and that solves your problem still do it.  As unclebob says servicing the carbs on a two stroke should be part of your normal maintenance.   The carb gaskets kits are cheap.  You have the service manual.  Follow it.  There are a few good videos on you tube on how to clean the carbs too.

[Capt Matt]

Tach not working, could be the stater too. My guess though is bad fuel
Capt Matt

[foreverstrung]

Well I've got my Merc 200 manual, going to change out the fuel filter seperator, rebuild the carb and then, since I'm at a about a half tank, I'd like to top it off with the good stuff with maybe some fuel treatment. This sound plausable or would you all just dump the gas?

[gran398]

The gas can be "scrubbed"....search wingtime's recent posts regarding the how-to.

[Capt. Bob]

Well I've got my Merc 200 manual, going to change out the fuel filter seperator, rebuild the carb and then, since I'm at a about a half tank, I'd like to top it off with the good stuff with maybe some fuel treatment. This sound plausable or would you all just dump the gas?

How old is it?
What type is it? Ethanol or non?.

[wingtime]

Well I've got my Merc 200 manual, going to change out the fuel filter seperator, rebuild the carb and then, since I'm at a about a half tank, I'd like to top it off with the good stuff with maybe some fuel treatment. This sound plausable or would you all just dump the gas?

That depends on what is in the tank.  Do you know if it is ethanol?  How old is it?   You can get the tank cleaned and the fuel "polished" but if it is ethanol and it has started to phase separate there is nothing you can do to save the fuel, you have to pump it out and dump it.  Pump some of the fuel out of the tank and let it sit for about a half an hour.  Then see how it looks.  If it turns cloudy or has a separate layer it's done.  You can see what my fuel that was one year old with stabilizer in it looked like in this post---->  http://www.classicaquasport.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8453&st=0&sk=t&sd=a  notice how the fuel looked when I drained some and in the next pic how it looked after being exposed to the air for a few minutes!

[bripley]

Do you guys think this could be a "limp home" issue due to temperature, oil, or detonation sensors? Sounds similiar to problem I had with my Mariner 175 that was attributed to the limp home feature.