Engine not running

mfd2698

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 2, 2006
Messages
39
I have a 1978 70hp Merc. Took out this past weekend and had triouble getting it on plane. Any suggestions on what it could be.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Engine not running

The title of your post says "Engine Not Running". No wonder you can't get it on plane. (Sorry -- couldn't help myself d:) Since your complaint is about getting on plane we can assume the engine runs. OK so far? What have you checked so far? You might also tell us what kind of boat you have since we can't see it. We can't possibly help you unless you give us some details. Could be anything from one or more cylinders not firing to having a boat full of water trapped in hull, to the engine being mounted on a barge.
 

mfd2698

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 2, 2006
Messages
39
Re: Engine not running

The boat is a 17 Cobia CC. When I pulled the plug very little water came out (maybe a gallon or so) after being out all day. I han=vent checked anything else yet. Just wanted to get some ideas on where to start.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Engine not running

The fact you pulled the drain and a gallon came out would suggest you try to determine how the water got in there in the first place. You may have a bunch more trapped somewhere in the hull. You may have flotation foam that soaked with water. You may have an engine that is not running properly. What when and if it gets on plane what are the maximum wide open throttle RPM and speed. Did you just acquire this boat. Did this problem just occur or has it always been this way. See why we might have a problem helping?
 

eric1111

Cadet
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
21
Re: Engine not running

does you motor seem to run ok..does it miss or make popping noises. does it get choked up and die. does it rev. high but doesn't take off like it should..like slivertip said need back ground history on boat and motor. there are to many directions send you to.with history and what it is doing or what it seems to be doing. it maybe possible to narrow it down.
 

mfd2698

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 2, 2006
Messages
39
Re: Engine not running

OK the engine ran fine until last week. Top speed used to be around 20-23mph. This time it took alot longer to come up. The engine is not makig any unusual noises. Is it possible it could just be the trottle cable being streched? Or do you think something else went wrong.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: Engine not running

Still not much to go on. We have no idea whether its an engine issue, boat issue, prop issue, fuel issue or a number of other things. If you think the throttle cable is stretched -- check it. take off the air box and push the throttle wide open (engine off). The throttle plates should be perfectly horizontal in the bores. If not, you need to do a link & sync. Then check cable adjustment. And please don't ask how to do link & sync as its far too long to go into here. You really need a service manual if you intend to do this stuff yourself. Did you try running a portable tank to see if it might be a fuel issue. Have you changed plugs, checked compression, checked for spark on all cylinders, checked/changed fuel filter, checked fuel lines and fittings for air/fuel leaks. Do the simple stuff first. Very little cost involved.
 
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