86-87 135 HP Mercury Black Max...hard start/chokes out/drags

[roll-tide-44]

Going through my first outboard motor issues. I have a Mercury Black Max that ran fine last summer. After winter, it began giving me issues. It will open up and turn 4500 rpm with muffs on in the driveway, but won't turn over 1000-1200 rpm in the water. It is hard to start in the water, but ran good and idled fine with the muffs on. Not sure where to start. It would run up around 60 mph and now won't get 10. Any suggestions? Previous experience?

 

[jigmister]

Re: 86-87 135 HP Mercury Black Max...hard start/chokes out/drags

Never run it at high rpm on the muffs. It will run away and blow up.
I had a problem such as yours. turned out to be a bad stator.
DVA test the stator switch boxes trigger and coils.
CDI has a very good website with instruction to DVA test.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: 86-87 135 HP Mercury Black Max...hard start/chokes out/drags

First check compression warm.Then check all cylinders have good spark.Then check fuel lines,carbs not flooding or stuck floats.
We pretty much have the same motor.