The fuel inlet fitting on the Merc must be worn out, hence leaks.
The tube inside the nut has a slight flare on the end.
I tried to re-flare it tighter with a ball bearing. It stiffened
up slightly, but when the nut is tightened on the carb,
you can still wiggle the fitting slightly.
I found a fancy 90 degree swivel fitting on the Net, but for
$36 I said, “no thanks”.
I found a “non-swivel” fitting to replace it.
Haven’t run it again yet, but I can’t imagine it’s going to leak.
Found out that the set screw on the “Shift Lockout Barrel”
had slipped, allowing shifting at any throttle speed.
Hard to get at with the Allen wrench, but it’s reset.
I made an extension for the high-speed needle so
I’ll be able to adjust the carb “on the go” without
trying to hit the slot on the needle with a screwdriver
while bouncing around on the lake.
Bought a “Timorn” Tach / Hour Meter last winter and need
to figure out how to use it before I crank up the motor again.
The manual mentions three different desired speed adjustments.
Prepare to be boarded!