165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

All the valves move up and down fine. I used Don's method to find compression stroke on #1. I then used the method mentioned in many threads here of spinning the push rod by hand until it just starts to stiffen up and then turned an extra 1/4 turn starting with number one then alternating intake exhaust. Rotate crank 360 * then start with #6 and do the same.

I will try the idea here to back off all rockers to 3 threads showing and then try compression check again. It doesn't seem right that I get 0 psi. the gauge doesn't even wiggle on the bad cylinders when I turn over.

I'll let you know what I find.

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Did you remove the camshaft? If so, did you re-align the marks on the timing gears?

 

[Volphin]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

OMG! ZERO? Valves responding and not too tight. I'm with Tony on this one... you say you swapped out the marine stuff. That leads me to believe something is very wrong with the camshaft installation.

V

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Did not remove the camshaft.

 

[daydreamer1252]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Actually Volphin he didn't say they were adjusted right he said he tried to follow instructions he found here (lots of different version of those)....those same instructions have been misunderstood before....I am sure he will loosen the nuts as explained earlier and will likely find his issue.....albatross don't feel bad if this is the case....as I said those instructions have been misunderstood before....problem is finding zero lash......I had to redo my own valves.......

 

[Don S]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

I've posted this dozens of times, the problems first timers have with adjusting valves is that they get to carried away with what zero lash really is.
Here is what it states in the manual

Loosen adjusting nut until lash is felt at push rod, and then tighten adjusting nut until all
lash is removed. Lash can be checked by moving push rod up and down while tightening
adjusting nut until all play is removed.

The bold type is where people go bad in what they do. You find zero lash ONE TIME, and one time only. If you recheck that pushrod immediatly, it will have lash again. Ignor it, DO NOT repeat the check. Get zero lash one time and turn the nut the additional 3/4-1 turn as the manual suggest. Then move to the next valve in the sequence.
If you keep checking the lash, the valve will be to tight, and that valve will not close. When the valve can't close, you don't get compression.

 

[daydreamer1252]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Don S... my comment wasn't directed at you....the first instructions I read weren't from you and after reading one of your posts later I went back and redid my adjustments before ever starting the engine....if albatross read the same info as I did and didn't catch one of your more complete postings I could identify with his issue....Thanks for reposting the correct way.....

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Hey,

Long weekend so I am just getting back at it today. I backed off the rocker nuts to 3 threads showing and I do have over 120psi in each cylinder now. Whew, that is a relief. It turns over and I can definitely here the difference in the sound of the engine it is getting good compression each stroke now. I rechecked the distributor using a different method this time. One link I found said to set it up with the rotor at 6 o'clock, facing the engine. That is how I had it, but the number one plug wire needs to be in the 3 o'clock position because of its length. I now have it set up so the rotor and #1 plug wire are at the 3 o'clock position when #1 is at TDC on the compression stroke.

Now it rolls over and tries to start but just will not catch and start on its own. No backfiring, some exhaust smoke coming out the prop hub but w not catch. I pulled out the plugs and they were wet so I figured it must be flooded. There was a lot of fuel in the back of the manifold because the boat was high on the bow. I blew out the cylinders with compressed air until there was no more fuel mist coming out. Tried again but the same thing.

I am going to try and adjust the valves the way Don suggested. I wonder if they are not opening enough now?

Any other suggestions?

 

[Don S]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

I am going to try and adjust the valves the way Don suggested. I wonder if they are not opening enough now?

They aren't close to being adjusted. You must go back and adjust them "By The Book"
Bring it back to #1 TDC on the Compression Stroke and redo the adjustment.
When you get it to #1 TDC on the Compression Stroke, pull the distributor cap off the distributor and look at where the rotor is pointing, then look at the cap. It better be pointing to #1 spark plug wire. Then make sure the plug wires are on the cap in the correct order and direction.
Once you get all this stuff done the right way, it will be amazing how easy it starts.

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

HEY,aibtross It could be rotor or cap [ THAT'S WHAT I THINK ]

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Alright.......

We have success! Don, as you were responding I went back through everything once again. Set the valves, properly as per your advice. Checked the distributor and rotor with the #1 plug wire. It was off a tooth still. I used a reference point on the distributor and it didn't look far off but it was off a tooth. Set the points to static time and put the cap back on.

Bang started right up! I've done a check of oil, water and fuel leaks and levels. All looks good. I need to run it for a bit before I retorque the head so i think I will take it for a little ride to make sure things work well.

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Don S]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

You need to set your point dwell, then the timing, and check the advance timing. BEFORE you go to the water.

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

HEY,DON S. You are the real 'GURU' GREAT INFO.

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

You need to set your point dwell, then the timing, and check the advance timing. BEFORE you go to the water.

Dwell is 31* . My timing light seems to be broken. I've got to look at that tonight.

I popped it in the water to give it a little test out and see what else is busted because I just feel like that is my luck with this boat.

It would only shift into reverse. A little research and I am sure it is something simple.

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Lets see if I can reply. The forum has given me a hard time replying the last few days.

I've got started and running very good. I did take it for a test drive. A few new problems, which I expected to have, the way this boat has been for me.

 

[albtross]

Re: 165 Mercruiser, Spark, Fuel, Timed but will not start

Hey it let me post!

OK, It would only shift into reverse. It was a rather entertaining 1/2 hr in the boat, paddling it back to the dock!

Also the trim wasn't working properly. It was like there is air in the lines?

What kind of oil does the trim motor take?