Mercury 60hp 4 Stroke Outboard Motor Problems - Major Bass Tracker Issues

This was tough video to make. My Bass Tracker with a 60 hp Mercury 4 stroke outboard motor is having a major issue. I do solve one problem with the ole 60 hp Mercury myself, but there is a second issue that I was unable to solve. Check out the video to see how I solve and don't solve my Major Bass Tracker issues with a mercury 60hp 4 stroke. Tracker Boats and Mercury Marine have been leading the industry with the Bass Tracker series of boats. It is not uncommon to have a few hiccups along the way, so I am not mad at either Mercury Outboard or Tracker boats for my problem. These things happen and I am just glad to have my boat back. Thank you for watching my video! Please SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already.
Where to get the Googan Stuff
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A little about me:
I am James McBurnett. I live in the great state of Texas. Probably not where you would think, but I am located in the panhandle region. I moved here from Alabama and work as a Chemical Engineer in the area. After being here for a few years, I decided to get back to my roots as a fisherman. It is quite challenging in my area to find a body of water to fish. The closest lake to me is about 40 miles away.
After a couple more years, I realized how much I love fishing and wanted to share it with the world. Clearwater fishing was born. I wanted to teach people all about fishing. This includes rods, reels, fishing line, bait, lures, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, bluegill, boats, boat trailers, outboards, and anything else related to fishing.
I also wanted to share my fishing experiences as well. To be entertaining, knowledgeable, comical, and FUN. This channel was created out of the love of the sport of fishing, and I plan to keep making content that represents that. Thank you for watching this video and reading a bit about me. Give me a shout out in the comments below and let me know you read this. Now get out there and go catch you some fish.
Equipment I use:
Truck 2018 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.7L Cummins
Boat 2011 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW with 60 hp Mercury 4 stroke EFI
Front Fish Finder Garmin Echomap Plus 93SV with Livescope
Trolling Motor Motorguide Xi3 70lb with Pinpoint GPS
Console Fish Finder Lowrance Elite 9ti
Camera 1 Apple Iphone 8
Camera 2 GoPro Hero 5 Black
This video contains links which I may receive compensation.

[@whodat4862]

My issue is I would drive the boat and try to go full throttle and boat would go to a hault and act like it was going to die and shake. Once I squeezed the primer it was good to go again over and over. Hopefully this is what is wrong with mine. I have replaced the Gas tank, fuel line, primer bulb, fuel line that goes inside the motor, both fuel filters and had a really fun time with the lower drive unit. Hoping I didn’t mess nothing up putting it back on. Took of the fuel pump and sure enough was missing pin. 40 HP Mercury EFI 3 cylinder 2017 motor.

[@clearwaterfishing]

That is your problem. I took it to some pros and they couldn't find the pin. Your oil pump has a screen on it so I wouldn't worry about the pin. I am still running mine and never found it. Get a fuel pump and get back out there and catch some fish! Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

[@whodat4862]

@@clearwaterfishing Fuel Pump fixed it right up thx for the help

[@clearwaterfishing]

@@whodat4862 That’s great! Go catch you some big ones!

[@jackperry3283]

This was a good place to start, I've had my 60 for 13 years and last week we had our first major problem with it. We launched it and headed out and when we got halfway to our destination it started slugging down, like it was running out of fuel. It conked out and I was able to restart it several times but it was not having it and kept conking out. I let it rest and tried again, to no avail. It definitely seems like a fuel issue of some sort, you have provided me a good starting point in troubleshooting, thank you.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Jack Perry No problem. Let me know if you need someone to bounce ideas off of. I hope you fix it and get out there soon.

[@nicholasdueck1161]

Were you ever able to fix this?

[@Lando1214]

Good video. My problem was a clogged screen in the top of the vst. Vapor separating tank. Tracked it from the tank, to the fuel filter to the low side fuel pump, and finally figured it out when I took the vst off and found the inlet screen to be almost totally clogged.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Thank you! Good find. Glad you figured yours out.

[@Lando1214]

@@clearwaterfishing absolutely Clearwater. I don't know why I said that the screen was at the top of the vst. I think that it's located at the bottom of the high pressure pump inside of the vst. ;)

[@Lando1214]

Ok, edit.. My mistake, my problem was the screen at the top end of the vapor separating tank. That is what was clogged by ethanol damaged hose break-away debris.

[@ialmost1288]

how is she running ? mine just started doing this . I am so glad I found this video..

[@clearwaterfishing]

james hawk She is still doing great after a couple of months. Fuel pump solved the problem and still no issues with the pin.

[@danielmath9598]

Hi just wondering where they found the pin for fuel pump being I have a 2019 50 hp four stroke thanks

[@clearwaterfishing]

They didn’t. I probably missed it on draining the oil. The oil pump has a screen to catch stuff like that.

[@willhughes6802]

Keep it up!

[@clearwaterfishing]

Will Hughes Thank you! I’m working hard on a new 30 day series!

[@gslandscapes7116]

Is there during in the lift pipe inside the tank? Had something similar and turned out to be a bit of plastic inside the lift pipe.

[@clearwaterfishing]

No, it ended up being a bad low pressure fuel pump.

[@averageskill]

So I still don't quite get it...Does the fuel pump stop working when the pin falls out?...or does the pin fall out when you remove the pump?....If it's the latter....how do you keep the pin from falling into the crank case during removal?...Turn the motor on it's side before removing the pump?...I really don't like metal anything bouncing around in my crankcase. Thanks

[@OrcaAngler]

im gonna change to 60 hp 4s soon, planning to buy mercury seapro edition do you think its worth it ? or better stick with suzi or yamy?

[@clearwaterfishing]

I like mercury but Yamaha is also really good. Both are popular and easy to find someone to help if you have issues.

[@treyferguson2965]

Yamaha all day EVERYDAY. I have a 2017 tracker, txw, with the 60hp 4 stroke, guess where she's sitting right now with a power head being installed??? The mercury mechanic is right. I have put a starter and fuel pump on this motor too since I got it. No big deal just bolt on parts I get it but i have buddies with the Yamaha and they ain't touched emm. Even have older ones, no issues. If I had the extra 5 to 7 grand, I'd buy a mercury and change all that stuff out on my boat

[@junereese4875]

Hi, Where is the PCV valve located on a mercury 60 Hp 4 stroke outboard motor? How can I tell it went bad. I'm losing oil. Driving normal it seems to be pulling oil out my engin and it smokes.

[@clearwaterfishing]

I don’t have it anymore and without looking it would be hard for me to tell you. It would be a on the upper end of the crank and the other end would be on the air intake.

[@jamesmacdonald52]

How did you get the bottom bolt (behind the upper cover latch) out of the fuel pump?

[@clearwaterfishing]

I had to remove the latch. Then I think I had to use a wrench.

[@jamesmacdonald52]

@@clearwaterfishing when removing the latch, were you able to just unscrew the two bolts on the exterior (just beneath the exterior lever)?......Much appreciation for your help!!

[@ericdanos373]

I have a 2015 60hp mercury 4 stroke with 1,500 plus hours using it to commercial fish. The only problem I ever had was a fuel pressure went out. Never even changed the spark plugs. The fuel pump was a cheap easy fix for the amount of great service I got from my engine and still using it today.

[@KidBako]

Just found you channel and this video - very timely. Thank you. I starting having all the same fuel issues with my three year old Mercury 40 hp 4 stroke EFI as mentioned here - engine runs a bit, runs down/out of fuel, prime the bulb, runs a bit and so on. Ordered a new fuel pump (arrives tomorrow) so removed the old pump today only to have the plunger and spring fall out of the old pump! @#&~*!!!! So, do I need to do all the processes you did in order to try and find the pin? Did I do something wrong while removing the pump which caused the pin to fall out? Or, did the pin fall out on its own resulting in the fuel starvation issue? Thanks in advance. Signed: Sick to my stomach!!!!

[@clearwaterfishing]

So my mechanic did look for it and never found the pin. He also was not as concerned as I because the oil pump has screen on it that is smaller than the pin. My advice is replace the pump and send it. I never had an issue after replacement. The pin probably broke like mine. without that pin in place the pump wont work. Really all you need is the pin but they don't sell a rebuild kit just the whole pump.

[@KidBako]

@@clearwaterfishing Thanks for the reply. I received and installed a new fuel pump and took the boat out for a couple days of fishing. So far all is good and the motor worked fine.

[@williamdonnelly5720]

Hey man do you have an update on this? Had the same problem fuel wasn’t lifting. I know my way around an engine and my esd tank would empty so I knew it was the low pressure fuel pump just wondering if you know where the pin ended up so I can look there. Cheers

[@clearwaterfishing]

It ended up coming out of the oil drain 3 years later. I had no issues. The oil pickup has a screen that is smaller than the pin.

[@willsmall5906]

It’s the silver gas hose the line separates and shrinks in !! Change it out happened to me

[@clearwaterfishing]

I thought about that, but the fuel pump died for sure.

[@outdoorsman9384]

My mercury 4 stroke 40 hp, can I run it 28 miles one way them 28 back varying different speeds and have no issues, is this motor OK for this type of running, thank you

[@clearwaterfishing]

Should be.

[@ianisdan1]

Same thing happened to my motor. Replaced it same as you. Called mercury and their technician said that the pin being lost in the block is no big deal and they havent had any problems.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Ian Matthew Man I wish I would have known that. Thank you so much for letting me know. I feel much better now.

[@ianisdan1]

@@clearwaterfishingyour welcome. The technician said, "When i tell you this your going to think im crazy". Followed by they tested it a bunch and it just settles somewhere forever. The way i feel is thst if it was to cause a problem down the road they would be forced to fix it because it is not something that could be caused by failure to do maintanence or rough use .

[@jamesmacdonald52]

@@ianisdan1 how did you get to the lower bolt on the fuel pump?...I’m having the same issue. Trying to replace the fuel pump, but the upper cowl latch is preventing me from getting a socket on that lower bolt of the fuel pump

[@kennethcranmer5690]

@@jamesmacdonald52 86

[@swhite3847]

Same exact thing happened to my 60 horsepower couldn't find the PIN 120 hours later still running perfect

[@trentmckenzie343]

My 20HP four stroke (not EFI) has an issue. Recently it started being tough to start. Once I do get it started, it vibrates and runs and idles at very low RPM (I can’t even get my boat up on plane). Also very susceptible to dying at random times either in idle or low RPM in gear. Once, when we were coming back to the landing, it dropped RPM at full throttle and started blowing smoke out of the foot exhaust as if it was overheating or it had something in the fuel, but the fuel is fresh and the motor was peeing water so I assume it wasn’t overheating. I’m currently stumped as to what the problem could be, so if anyone has any explanation at all please by all means let me know. Ran two cans of carburetor cleaner through the carburetor assembly and has not resolved the issue.

[@clearwaterfishing]

You may need to remove the carbs and take them apart to get a good cleaning. That is most likely your problem. The carb being dirty also could have messed up your spark plugs too. Change them out as well. The smoke is probably from poor fuel mixture/ratio from carb and poor ignition. Your engine has the symptoms of garbage in the carb or a sticking float in the fuel bowl on the carb.

[@trentmckenzie343]

@@clearwaterfishing My plan going forward is just to go through the whole works. Probably gonna dump my tank to start with. Then I’ll order a fuel filter and probably some new jets and just clean the crap out of my carburetor. If that doesn’t work I’ll check the needle and the float and replace, worst case scenario I just buy a new carburetor. Thank you for the confirmation.

[@travishutchison5136]

What was the outcome of this? Did they find the pin and was that the problem?

[@clearwaterfishing]

The pin wasn’t found and they say run it. The oil pump has a screen on it that should catch it. The only problem with the fuel pump was the pin was missing. Probably just broke in half. Could have stuck a new one on and been fine.

[@wallyklw5]

I see on another channel it’s fairly common for everyone to lose that pin. several channels have said don’t waste your time looking for it

[@clearwaterfishing]

I would agree with them as well.

[@johnstrand2247]

I have a similar problem with my 2019 75HP. It won't ever run above 4500 RPMs and has been in the shop seven times. They keep saying it is normal. Been through several props. It has a 19 pitch for my Tracker now but I have gone all the way down to 15. Top RPMS even with a 15 pitch is only 5K so the boat seems way under powered. Do your plugs get wet? Mine have been changed twice and both times all four were wet and fouled on a 4 stroke. Believe it or not, the dealer claims that is normal on a Mercury so this is my last one.

[@clearwaterfishing]

My plugs have always been dry when I look at them. Have you check to see if you are getting full throttle? See how far your remote can make it go. Then disconnect it, and see how far you can move it by hand. It doesn't take much to miss full throttle, and it will hurt your power bad. Let me know how it goes, and I am glad to help if I can.

[@johnstrand2247]

@@clearwaterfishing Thanks for the reply! I don't know what you mean by remote but the last quarter of throttle movement has never had any effect.

[@clearwaterfishing]

@@johnstrand2247 I just meant the gear shifter/throttle at the captains chair. Sometimes it is called a remote. So you are getting full throttle at the motor?

[@mrtcward]

John Strand your problem may be a bad coil pack.

[@dd1273]

hello, could someone tell me if he has already had the 6 engine beeps just in navigation regardless of the speed?. engine running at a standstill no beeps even when accelerating in neutral. all the maintenance is done. no problem to report. I just made the control cables extra for this year. thank you in advance

[@clearwaterfishing]

Your manual should have what 6 beeps means.

[@dd1273]

@@clearwaterfishing It can be a lot of things 6 beeps but not too important. If I ask you it is that I have previously looked at the instructions, booklets downloadable from the internet

[@PixelNinja2024]

I have the same boat and engine. It was running fine until one day on plane, the engine started beeping and sputtered until it died. I could drive under low RPM's only. Once I squeezed the fuel bulb a few times, I could get it up on plane for another minute until it did the same beep and sputter. Also, I did get one long continuous beep in between. Figures this happens when fish are hitting well.

[@clearwaterfishing]

That's tough man! I hope it is an easy fix. Mine didn't do any of the beeping that I can recall.

[@MidwestOutlaw86]

It's hot more than likely. Clogged thermostat. Take off thermostat housing and flush motor.

[@gabrielspitta5693]

@@MidwestOutlaw86 Yes sir, same problem here, we cheq al the fuel line, the fuel pump and the VST. Was the thermostat. We take it away. It seems its a common problem and people use the motor whitout it.

[@b1pig]

I'm not sure if I missed it somewhere... I did watch your later video but didn't see if the cause for the power loss was found. The way you described it sounded almost like fuel starvation to me. Had it happen with an old VW. The fuel filter was partially clogged. It would run all day driven softly at or below 60. Drive it quickly at 65-70 mph and it would run great for a few minutes, then fall flat on its face. Let it sit a minute and crank it back up, it ran fine. The clogged filter would allow just enough fuel volume to run under load at 55, but heavy loads and high rpm (higher fuel demand) and it couldn't flow enough. This interests me as I have the 60hp CT on my 20' pontoon boat. Mine's a 2016, so I'm just keeping my eyes open for anything that might jump up and bite me on the hiney. :)

[@clearwaterfishing]

It was fuel starvation. The low pressure fuel pump went out. It lost a pin and it went inside the motor somewhere. That’s why it had to go to the shop. The fuel pump was easy to replace.

[@swampjoe1985]

A 60hp on a 20' pontoon? Doing 65-70mph? Damn bud... I have this same setup he has, 60hp merc on a 17'7" 175 pro team and it barely breaks 30 leaded and takes 3 days to plane out lol

[@eacja03]

Did you ever find the missing pin ?

[@clearwaterfishing]

Nope! But she is still running strong!

[@jamesbrown3164]

mine did this and it was because the spring valve on the fuel tank was stuck. Fortunately, I was able to replace it really cheaply, but after a $600 fuel pump replacement that a service shop diagnosed it to be.

[@clearwaterfishing]

That is a hefty bill!!! Glad you got it up and running!

[@lesfaust9634]

Sounds like soft internal fuel lines...when you give it the gas the fuel line clamps closed....I just had the same problem with my 2005 mercury 40hpr ...new line and it runs better than ever

[@clearwaterfishing]

The low pressure fuel pump went out.

[@adhdgaming2377]

Man i am plagued with very dimilar issue... The iac valve is like the only thing i havent tried and its driving me insane

[@robwallaker7739]

I had the exact same problem and believe it or not they changed out my starter which seem to be working perfectly but it was causing power loss to my fuel pump and that's exactly what it was doing change the starter and never had a problem 5 years now

[@clearwaterfishing]

Mine definitely was not the start. Mine was the mechanical low pressure fuel pump.

[@MidwestOutlaw86]

They do this when they get hot as well. Thermostat stuck will give you the same problem since the fuel is cooled it's all connected. Thanks mercury! Can't hardly blow them up

[@clearwaterfishing]

I didn't know that. Thank you! I will keep that in mind. The fuel goes all the way around the motor so I am not surprised.

[@carlosprince1499]

Termostato de temperature

[@NoOne-Home]

Not getting enough fuel fast enough?

[@clearwaterfishing]

Low pressure fuel pump went out.

[@christopherdagala6251]

How about of engine overheating sir

[@clearwaterfishing]

No problem for me.

[@everchevy]

I have a spare pump pin you can have out of my pump that the diaphragms disintegrated in and I can't buy a rebuilt kit for it. Now I have to buy a new one. Thank goodness I work for Napa. Headed for an 8 day 400 mile trip down the Cumberland River next Sunday.

[@clearwaterfishing]

I got a new pump like you did. I'll send you my old pump if you need one. It just needs the pin.

[@everchevy]

Would love that but used fuel pumps aren't a good thing after having had gas in them. Thanks for the offer. Hope all turns out good on your repairs.

[@jackperry3283]

Holy Crap, how was your Cumberland trip, sounds awesome, great trout fishery....

[@brianeverhart9634]

Made 180 of 400. Plastic on new low pressure filter swelled up I guess due to heat and blocked fuel flow..lol. My luck. Hauled out and will hopefully finish trip this fall. River is great to travel.

[@frankietoves4560]

It’s your low pressure fuel pump mine did same thing simple fix

[@clearwaterfishing]

Yes sir. I replaced it. But lost a pin that holds it together. I was worried about that. I should have just gave it a full send.

[@carlosprince1499]

A 5000 Vuelta se le mete un fallo Como corrected lo baja y se quita

[@josepholszewski2565]

you must have your ball valve facing up. In side is a ball that primes, slanted the ball moves sideways you starve the gas for the engine. Make sure you face the arrow to the engine 12 oclock straight up this will solve your issue.

[@clearwaterfishing]

That doesn't quite make sense to me. It is an inline primer pump installed from the factory that way. I don't see how that would cause a pin to break in my fuel pump. Is there a video or pictures you can give me to help me see what you are talking about?

[@josepholszewski2565]

@@clearwaterfishing Very sorry I have a 12 year old that thinks he's a boat mechanic. He used my email- his intensions are good but grounded for now. I showed his friends family that their primer bulb was floating sideways and will starve of fuel when they try to throttle higher. it solved their problem so he thinks it's a fix all. I did make him watch your hole video. He just seen a scene where he seen your bulb angled- which is fine just not sideways. Thanks for your video sorry.

[@clearwaterfishing]

joseph olszewski No problem! He was trying to help. I was hoping I missed something simple.

[@samsettle7910]

Well bruh I know how it is not having your boat I hope it’s a easy fix and not expensive

[@user-ug7on5xj8b]

The mercury gray hose and bulb is crap just put a yamaha hose on mine 0 issues, toilet plunger rubber merc uses!

[@carlosprince1499]

Vibina problem

[@clearwaterfishing]

Maybe.

[@carlosprince1499]

Regulatory de voltage

[@carlosprince1499]

Es problem

[@carlosprince1499]

Se Caliente elregulador

[@carlosprince1499]

Lo demas es nuevo

[@clearwaterfishing]

It was actually the low pressure fuel pump.

[@marctrottier8232]

I had the same problem on a 2011 Merc 9.9, screwed up my fishing day, but i never had any problems with SUZUKI OR HONDA !!!!! I had to clean out the carb on the merc then it was ok, but MERCURY SUCKS !!!!!!!!

[@clearwaterfishing]

This one doesn't have a carb, but I understand your frustration.

[@josepholszewski2565]

You would not have a problem with you fuel pump if you follow this.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Thanks

[@Harlanmote]

Get a older 80’s Johnson never be stranded again.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Harlan Mote can you find parts for one?

[@Harlanmote]

Clearwater Fishing Yes and easy to find.

[@Harlanmote]

I’m still running 1985 40Hp.It fires up on the first try even in cold weather. I fish year round. I’m in Blairsville Ga.

[@clearwaterfishing]

Harlan Mote I’ll have to see if I can find one for my next boat.

[@Harlanmote]

I hope you don’t have any more problems out of your motor. I’ve been In the same boat before.

[@jeffreytalbot3431]

Look at the position of the ball on fuel line. It CANNOT point down, period. You are priming fuel line and filter and running out fuel! The primer bulb has to lay flat to slightly up, there’s a check valve in there ya know. That’s problem one. Second, don’t tear down power head, change the fuel hose and primer bulb dude and fuel filters, there are two. If that doesn’t fix the problem then have high pressure fuel pump checked. These motors are so fuel efficient is why you get to about 2,000 rpm before it craps out. Tear down that power head and you are looking at $$$$. Peace

[@clearwaterfishing]

The primer ball was just fine. The low pressure fuel pump was the problem. The pin that broke inside came out a couple of oil changes later. $150 for the low pressure fuel pump, and I was on the water again.

[@carlosprince1499]

Coel

[@clearwaterfishing]

Yup

[@carlosprince1499]

5 revolution revolution falla bojo y se quita

[@StartVisit]

what are you saying? so confusing

[@sledstrong]

Your tank vent is shut

[@clearwaterfishing]

I thought about that too but it has a built in vent.

[@sledstrong]

@@clearwaterfishing most you can open and shut so it don’t slash while transporting. Double check it I bet that’s the issue

[@clearwaterfishing]

@@sledstrong I replaced the fuel pump and it worked ever since. This was about 2 years ago.

[@carlosprince1499]

A 5000 Vuelta El motor vibra

[@carlosprince1499]

El braque del motor

[@chriscrt1705]

Don't use again your hand fuel pump you no need to do this on a 4stroke engines. 4stroke's engine's have their own pump's. Remove this my friend.

[@clearwaterfishing]

That’s the way it was when I got it. I was lucky to have otherwise it would have been much longer to get back to the dock. I don’t ever pump it up even though it is there.

[@osiyooverland]

@@clearwaterfishing so you don't use the pump on 4 stroke engines?

[@clearwaterfishing]

Josh H You don’t need it for the merc 40, 50, and 60hp. They have a low pressure fuel pump and a high pressure fuel pump. If you have a ball pump you can damage the low pressure pump diaphragm if you pump it too hard.

[@hgherb]

Don’t buy mercury motor they suck..👎👎

[@clearwaterfishing]

But there are a billion of them out there!

[@mrtcward]

Name a better one and why Einstein Herb...

[@hgherb]

@@mrtcward you tell me what’s a better Einstein. You seems to know better.

[@mrtcward]

@@hgherb Why don’t you tell us why they suck?

[@hgherb]

@@mrtcward coz they are. Can you recommend a better motor since you know more. Mr Einstein.

[@christopherdagala6251]

How about of engine overheating sir

[@clearwaterfishing]

No overheating problems for me.