Looking for some help with my engines

[Dirt2water]

thats the 1998 data sheet... mine are 1985 models...not sure if theres a difference or not

[tlwjkw]

thats the 1998 data sheet... mine are 1985 models...not sure if theres a difference or not

also thats for tha "hot rod" (high prformance) xr2... not tha production model that went away in tha 80's ('87 last year maybe?).. BIG difference.

[Merc 2.5]

So I got a little 2L that had the regulator on top and a rectifier , I know most of 9 and 16 stuff just had the rectifier. What's the advantage of both ?

[Dirt2water]

So while I was checking stuff over I noticed when I push both shifters forward it pushes one cable and pulls the other

so one engine is in reverse while the other is forward to achieve counter rotating props. Rather than having different lowers.
is this bad for the lower in reverse?

[Jim Speros]

A left hand gearcase is reconfigured internally to run it the reverse rotation. If you look in the carriers behind the propellers one is obviously different. It is more fatter farther aft. There are many differences including the prop shaft, bearings and carrier. If you run a right hand gearcase is reverse for an extended time it will fail.

[Dirt2water]

Well, I’ll be looking for a left hand lower unit I guess. Or can mine be rebuilt to spin left?

[Jim Speros]

Mercury controls pull for forward on right hand [Standard] gearcases. The side that pushes is the opposite rotation , the left hand side. I would think you presently have a left hand gearcase if the controls are set up for one. It is easy to see when you remove the prop and look in the propshaft carrier. One side will look different if you in fact presently have a left and right hand pair of gearcases.

[Jim Speros]

Left hand prop shaft may be stamped with an L on nut end. But the end all way to know for sure is the carrier.
The area in the carrier that holds the bearing is noticeably different.

You can see if you look in to exhaust cavity behind prop.

[Dirt2water]

Mercury controls pull for forward on right hand [Standard] gearcases. The side that pushes is the opposite rotation , the left hand side. I would think you presently have a left hand gearcase if the controls are set up for one. It is easy to see when you remove the prop and look in the propshaft carrier. One side will look different if you in fact presently have a left and right hand pair of gearcases.

you are correct. my port side engine ((the one which spins counter clockwise) looks different in there. also there is a L stamped on my prop shaft...cant believe i missed that
as all is correct!
thank you so much for the help

[Dirt2water]

So I’ve since gotten the boat in the water. What a ride! The engines are running good but not perfect.
Port engine starts easy and runs great on the top end. It however doesn’t like idling in gear. Sneezes out of the exhaust and shuts off in the longer no wake zones. Not sure where to start?

starboard engine starts idles and runs beautifully. Only issue is when idling in gear it smokes a INSANE amount. It’s pretty overtaking in the boat which isn’t awesome for the pregnant wife.

both engines idle in gear at 900rpm. Both are pulling fuel from the same tank mixed at 40:1
any help is appreciated!!

[OnPad]

Sounds like port engine is running lean, and starboard might be rich, if it's smoking alot after it's warmed up.
Normal to smoke alot when cold.
You would be safe to run 50:1, for your wife's sake.
Probably need to go through you fuel system. Check your port side for obstructions, and your starboard side for a leaking needle. Been a few threads lately about such things.

[Dirt2water]

When you say leaking needle do you mean the float needle?

[OnPad]

Yes sir. You can take the airbox off, and watch each carb while idling. The problem carb should show itself.

Check out thread : Modified 150 Mariner, a few threads down. Fuel will be excessive out of the tube pictured in post 1, with a bad needle/seat, sticking/sunk or misadjusted float. This fellow also found decomposed fuel line in his carb orifices. Which could be your problem, or something similar, on your other motor.

[Dirt2water]

awesome, i will. thank you so much for all the help. i appreciate it!
heres a picture of the beauty you all are helping me with

[rgsauger]

Dittos on mixing at 50:1 instead of 40:1. Unless you are turning over 6000 RPMs regularly, 50 to one is just fine. Congrats on the new baby!