Need help troubleshooting 82 merc 80 thunderbolt

[<Erics Spinner Bait>]

Outboard had sat about 4 years.

Upon getting the engine, i removed the spark plugs and poured oil in all four cylinders and spun the engine by hand several times. at that time it was late so i let it sit overnight.

The next day i went and filled the gas tank with premium gas (as said in owners manual) and mixed the oil and gas 40:1 ( thought that after sitting a little extra oil would help with the inititial re-break-in. hooked the gas lines up and turned the key, it sputtered a couple of times and started right up on the hose and ear muffs.

Took it to the lake the next day and it again started right up, so the adventurer i am, i took off across the lake. i made it to the other side and the motor seemed to loose power. I let off the throttle to turn around, and the engine died. it would then not restart. after a tow-in, i brought the engine/boat home and finally got it to start again but it will run only with the idle srews 1 turn out and real rouph.

I have replaced the spark plugs and primer bulb and hose(was leaking, i thought it may have been sucking air). i added seafoam to the gas and did the arosol can as well (this helped a little - lots of smoke). the primer bulb stays stiff. pumping the primer bulb while running does not help.

Any links or advice will be helpfull. i am competant on 4-stroke motors and carbs so i am confident that i can take what ever apart and restore it to its original state.

Sorry for the long post, i just wanted to include as much info as i could. thank you for your time and energy in advance.

[<Mercuryman11>]

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned it sat for 4yrs. Chances are the carbs need to come off and cleaned internally.They are more than likely varnished up and need a bath and air shot through them. You should also replace the water pump, after years of sitting out of water the impeller is probably stiff and cracked.