Re: 1972 Mercury 1400 140 hp outboard motor won't start after towing it home
Go back to post #10, download the free troubleshooting guide, find the section on the Merc Distributor Battery CD Ignition and do the checks they spell out.
I'm having the same problem with my 140 but had a friend take a look at it and he said once my new wiring harness is in then that should take care of the problem. I had told him of your troubles and he (being very good with o/b) thinks maybe in distributor but is unsure as he hasn't received all the details.