1980, 140 Mercruiser ignition troubles.

I've read a lot of good info on this site and I'm hoping that someone will be able to help an old retired mechanic (me) tune up my Son-in-laws 140 Mercruiser S#5437622. He bought it on the trailer without running it on the water three weeks ago. I belive the previous owner was having problems as it has a new starter, new Rochester carb #17059050, new coil, new plug wires and a new Pertronix electronic ignition complete distributor. Must of cost the guy a bundle for all this stuff. The problem is hard starting and when it does start it has to be at wide open throttle and if you back off too soon it stalls then is harder to start up again. Once it was warmed up on the lake it seemed to run ok, according to my son-in-law. Here is what I've found....when the iginition key is "ON" there is no power to the +side of the coil when I try to start it with the muffs on. I've also had the ignition switch turned "OFF" and while using a remote starter button from the + battery terminal to the solenoid start wire to check that the (hydraulic) valve lifters are all working the engine tries to fire up. So, before I go under the dash to the iginition switch to check out why the switch isn't giving the coil power when "ON" I wanted to put this problem out to the experts who have a hole lot more Marine experience than this old guy. Any suggestions or advice I would surely appreciate, thank-you.
Brian

Re: 1980, 140 Mercruiser ignition troubles.

Does it have a safety lanyard, or kill switch?
Have a look at this link:
http://www.sterndrives.com/no_start_condition.html

Re: 1980, 140 Mercruiser ignition troubles.

Found the problem. Put in a new battery, ( old one had a buldged side) put on the muffs, pushed shift lever a couple times to set choke, turned the ignition key, rummm, rummm,
and away she went. I was able to throttle back with in a few seconds without it stalling. Then set the timing @ 6 BTDC, set idle at 750 and will make adjustments when we're on the lake. Fantastic

Re: 1980, 140 Mercruiser ignition troubles.

If you have to start at higher rpm I suspect the choke is messed up. I have a similar issue with a 1970's Mercruiser 140, currently running without choke. I will probably be installing an electric choke kit.

Re: 1980, 140 Mercruiser ignition troubles.

btw, 750 is too high for idle--it could damage the shift dogs over time. It took me a few years, but by setting the timing, having the carb rebuilt, using a vac gauge to set the carb idle mix screws, pulling and cleaning the manifold, cleaning the oil system, and running Techron fuel cleaner through twice a season, I've got my old girl idling at 550 rpm, which I believe is the spec.