97 Merc 2 stroke Troubles

Recently purchased a 97 Merc 2 stroke...replaced water pump and plugs. Engine vibration increases as speed increases...very little water coming out of pee-hole. Lose forward motion and engine races after short distance at higher RPM. Is this being caused by over heating? Bad thermostate and or poppet valve?

Re: 97 Merc 2 stroke Troubles

You have more than one issue (apparently). Vibration (which you don't describe in any detail) sounds like there is a dead cylinder (no spark, not firing, no fuel, bad carb, etc). Vibration will follow throttle settings. If you have a weak tell tale that says water pump needs attention and it is not related to thermostat or poppet valve. Loss of forward movement followed by sudden rpm increase says you have a spun prop hub. If you look at the prop, the hub is separated by the blade area by a rubber cushion that is bonded to the hub and blade area. If that bond breaks, the hub slips under load and simply spins within the prop because it cannot transfer power to the blades. It must be repaired and no -- you can't do it yourself.

Re: 97 Merc 2 stroke Troubles

Thanks for the response...very kind and greatly appreciated. At least I have something intelligent to go by now. No problem starting engine. However, vibration increases with greater rpm, but not to the extent where things are dramatically shaking apart. I'll have the local boat M.D. check both the vibration and the hub. Semper Fi