1971 Mercury electrical problem?

[george dourian]

Hello,
Was wondering if anyone can help me with an problem i am having with my 71mercury outboard?? As i mentioned yesterday, it seems to lose power after running for a short while. I have checked the plugs and noticed that cylinders 3 and 4 are not firing fully (more like intermitently at times), hence why it loses speed (still runs though but only on cylinders 1 and 2 i guess). What can the problem be???I did recieve a reply yesterday (thanks) discussing possible fuel delivery problem, however, i forgot to state the details of the problem and did not get a follow-up reply. Can anyone please help??
Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1971 Mercury electrical problem?

It sounds like a trigger failure but could also be the box here's a test for the system.

 

[george dourian]

Re: 1971 Mercury electrical problem?

Thanks for the response, Laddies...much appreciated!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1971 Mercury electrical problem?

George, If that motor is a 1971, it should have distributor ignition with one coil. If it has four ignition coils the spec Laddies provided is correct, and the motor is a bit newer than '71

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1971 Mercury electrical problem?

I think I blew this one Chris!