Carburetor Rebuild Kit for Mercury/Mariner 2-Stroke Outboard Motors
The iFJF 18-7226 carburetor kit is a complete rebuild solution for select Mercury and Mariner 2-stroke outboard carburetors. This kit replaces critical wear components including gaskets, seals, inlet needle & seat, and bowl gasket — restoring proper fuel delivery and eliminating common issues like fuel leaks, hard starting, and poor idle quality. Designed to meet OEM specifications, each component is manufactured from ethanol-resistant materials for extended service life in modern fuel conditions.
Key Features
All-in-One Rebuild Kit: Contains every gasket, seal, o-ring, and needle valve required for a single carburetor rebuild — no need to source individual components.
Ethanol-Ready Materials: Gaskets and seals resist swelling and deterioration caused by E10 and ethanol-blended marine fuels.
Precision Manufactured: Float needle and seat are machined to exact tolerances for consistent fuel level control and leak-free operation.
OEM Equivalent: Replaces Mercury/Mariner 35-16494-1, 35-816296-T1, 35-816296-1, 35-816296Q2, 35-816296T1, OMC 398327, and Sierra 18-7226.
Common Fixes: Resolves fuel drip from carb throat, rough idle, bogging on acceleration, and hard hot re-starts.
Cross-Reference Interchange
Brand
Part Number
Sierra Marine
18-7226
Mercury / Mariner OEM
35-16494-1, 35-816296-T1, 35-816296-1, 35-816296Q2, 35-816296T1
OMC / Johnson Evinrude
398327
Mallory Marine
9-37404
Technical Specifications
Application: Mercury / Mariner 2-stroke outboard carburetors
Carburetor Type: Float bowl design (side bowl or center bowl applications)
Kit Contents: Float bowl gasket, inlet needle & seat, body-to-adapter gasket, mixture screw o-ring, welch plugs, drain screw gasket
Material: Ethanol-resistant Buna-N / Nitrile rubber, composite gasket material
Fitment Type: Direct replacement
Why Rebuild Instead of Replace?
A complete carburetor assembly for a 2-stroke outboard can cost $200-400+. In most cases, the aluminum carburetor body itself is perfectly serviceable — only the soft components (gaskets, seals, needle valve) have degraded. The iFJF 18-7226 rebuild kit costs a fraction of a replacement carburetor and, when installed correctly, restores like-new performance. This is especially cost-effective for older engines where OEM carburetors may be discontinued or backordered.
Installation Guide
Remove carburetor: Disconnect fuel line, throttle linkage, and choke linkage. Remove mounting bolts/nuts.
Disassemble completely: Remove float bowl, float pin, float, inlet needle, and all gaskets. Note the order of disassembly.
Clean thoroughly: Soak all metal parts in carburetor cleaner. Use compressed air to blow through every passage and jet. Verify jets are clear.
Install new components: Replace all old gaskets and seals with new kit components. Install new inlet needle & seat.
Set float height: Verify float level matches specification. Adjust tab if needed.
Reassemble and test: Reinstall carburetor, connect linkages and fuel line. Prime bulb, check for leaks before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I confirm this kit fits my outboard?A: This kit is designed for Mercury/Mariner 2-stroke carburetors using OEM part numbers 35-16494-1 or 35-816296 series. Check the model number stamped on your carburetor body, or search your engine's serial number against the Sierra 18-7226 fitment guide. Contact us with your engine details if unsure.
Q: Does this kit include a new float?A: No. The float is a separate component that typically only needs replacement if cracked or fuel-saturated. If your float is damaged, you'll need to source it separately. A simple test: shake the float — if you hear liquid inside, it needs replacement.
Q: How many carburetors does one kit service?A: One kit services ONE carburetor. If your outboard has 2, 3, or 4 carburetors, you'll need multiple kits. We recommend rebuilding all carburetors simultaneously for balanced performance.
Q: Will this fix my motor dying at idle?A: Possibly. Dying at idle is often caused by a clogged pilot/idle circuit or vacuum leak from a deteriorated gasket. A thorough cleaning during the rebuild combined with new gaskets resolves this in most cases. If the issue persists after rebuild, check for vacuum leaks at the intake manifold or crankshaft seals.
Q: Can I use this kit with a carburetor that has been sitting with old fuel for years?A: Yes — and this is one of the most common use cases. Carburetors that have sat with ethanol fuel often have completely varnished internals. Follow the cleaning steps carefully, and consider an ultrasonic cleaning if the varnish is heavy. The new kit components will restore the sealing surfaces after cleaning.
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