1977 9.8 hp (110 series) outboard won't start!

[leefromcanada]

Hi there. Over the winter, I purchase a 9.8 Merc EL (Long shaft, Electric start). A few issues have been experienced. Running it last Friday for the first time, it started fine, but seemed to only provide half the power that I would expect. Seemed the motor was only giving me 6 hp. Today, I checked compression. 120-130 psi behind each spark plug. Checked the spark plugs and found one dead. Replaced new. After that - the motor would NOT start at all! Help!

 

[CharlieB]

Test for spark at each plug. While there carefully look at the 'bend' in the plug wires. Is it possible that you switched them? Easy mistake.

 

[leefromcanada]

Hi CharlieB. Thanks for your advice. I have one short and one long plug wire. I can't switch them. I was actually finally able to get the motor started. Tried later in the day. Brand new gas. Got it started but ran very rough and certainly was not able to gain full throttle. I took it to a shop. Hopefully they can get it fixed by Friday so I can get out during the long weekend! On another matter, do you have any idea where I can get a replacement front plastic cover for the top of the motor? Mine is missing a big chunk and no longer locks snuggly against the motor cover. Thanks again!