10Hp Mercury only idles?

[NateFollmer]

I finally tried to fix my outboard, but I'm stumped. The motor idles just fine, but as soon as you give it any gas, it spudders and shuts off. it worked fine last time we used it, but it sat for a season without any use. I think my pap put gas with ethanol in it during the last fill up. Any suggestions on what could be the problem? I was thinking maybe it got gunk in it from the ethanol or maybe it even needs a new spark plug. I'm not an engine guy though so maybe you guys can help!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Nate,

Try checking the carb by dropping the float bowl. Check for any debris or water. Check the fuel to see if it smells stale, like varnish. See if the choke is working.

[NateFollmer]

Thanks. The fuel is new and I made sure it was ethanol free ha ha. I'll check that stuff you said and report back. Btw are you coming to our meet up?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I have a club tx that day mut I might just do the meeting depending on the reports from the Hudson. I'm following the thread and will post when I make up my mind (the night before,lol)

[NateFollmer]

Oh that's right, you mention that already... Sorry, should have looked through the thread again HAHA.

[Way2slow]

I would clean carb before doing anything else.  Most likely the mid/main is plugged.  That's taking it off and making sure are orfices a clean, do even bother with trying to run anything through it.

[NateFollmer]

I would clean carb before doing anything else. Most likely the mid/main is plugged. That's taking it off and making sure are orfices a clean, do even bother with trying to run anything through it.

Yeah, I did read it's better to just manually clean it and not run cleaners through it. The cleaners can dislodge big chunks of gunk and get it stuck in important places and make things worse

I didn't get a chance to look at it, but I found the engine schematics on the net and will probably get to it before the weekend.