1986 90hp Mercury inline 6 won't start

[reggie220]

I had my boat out on the lake and it was running fine towing a tube, then all of a sudden I lost power, but was able to limp back to the dock. I could only go about 8mph no matter where the throttle position was. I was happy to get back. but I tried to start the next morning with no luck, checked spark and had no spark. When I got home I tested the Stator and it tested bad as well as the trigger also tested bad. I went ahead and replaced the stator, trigger, rectifier, switch packs and the starter. Now when I crank the motor it sounds like it wants to start and backfires a bit. I had a fuel pump rebuild kit, so I rebuilt that as well and tried to start again with the same results. 120 to 130 compression on all cylinders.

 

[roscoe]

Trigger or stator mis-aligned during instal.

Or, flywheel not tightened to spec, which caused a broken key, which through off the timing.

Or, wires not connected properly on\\from either stator, trigger, or switch boxes.

 

[racerone]

I doubt you will find a flywheel key on an inline 6 model.

 

[roscoe]

I doubt you will find a flywheel key on an inline 6 model.

Yep.
I knew that, as I replaced the stator on my 115 back in April.

I was typing without thinking, in a hurry.

 

[Chris1956]

It makes sense to check the timing. Remove the prop and spark plugs 2-6. Put timing light on cylinder 1. Set throttle so the carbs are ready to open but still closed. Jumper starter solenoid to crank motor and observe timing. Timing should be 0-9*ATDC. Set throttle to max. Crank motor and check timing. Timing should be 21* BTDC.

If that checks out, check enrichener (choke) for proper function.