1959 Mercury Mark 55AE magneto problem

tiger 650

Cadet
Joined
Sep 2, 2003
Messages
17
The motor runs just fine. The magneto puts out good spark. The problem is that it wont shut off. The ignition switch will start it but wont shut it off. I took a jumper wire and grounded the electrical terminal on the side of the magneto while the motor was running and nothing happened. The only way to kill the engine is to choke it. How do I fix this?
 

bgc

Ensign
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
980
Re: 1959 Mercury Mark 55AE magneto problem

I prefer to use the choke to shut down my old Merc's, less strain on the secondary coils.
 

1960 Starflite

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Messages
351
Re: 1959 Mercury Mark 55AE magneto problem

You will have to pull the Mag and remove the cap, rotor and cover (care needed here, parts are $$$). Check continuity between the ground bolt (outside of Mag) and the points. Someone may have remover wire/strap from the inside of Mag.
You can't get the Mag back on wrong, has a missing spline on the input shaft, only goes back one way. Might as well check the point gap when your in there, .008-.010"
 
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