1987 mercury 70 HP (3 cyl)

TD_Maker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 31, 2005
Messages
564
My father in law gave me a 1987 Mckee Craft (Cape Fear) recently. It has a 1987 Mercury 70 HP on the back, and the rig has been sitting for a few years. With the motor, I cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, replaced the fuel filter, new plugs, and replaced the fuel and oil lines because they were stiff and brittle. I replaced the impeller, poppet Valve and thermostat. I cranked the motor (with fresh gas) and it popped right off, but ran like hell. It coughed and sputtered, and popped. It sounded like the entire motor was missing. I just happen to have a new switch box (from a previous motor) and while I was changing it out, I noticed that a couple of the wires leading up to the trigger were completely shot....and broke off in my hand. I cut back the outer shield and discovered the entire wire (both) were almost gone (shielding and all) almost up to the trigger. The wires were like powder.

My questions:
What would cause wiring to deteriorate so badly?
If the trigger is bad, would the stator wires be next?
Could the trigger cause the motor to run THAT bad?

The motor really is in nice shape, so it is worth saving.....I think. I will get another trigger, but does anyone have an idea on how to remove the damn flywheel without buying the tool?

Thanks for the help.
 

TD_Maker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 31, 2005
Messages
564
Re: 1987 mercury 70 HP (3 cyl)

Never Mind. After I researched the issue right here on IBoats search forum, I saw that it is a common issue for older Mercs. Sorry for wasting everyone's time.
 

skipper123

Seaman
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
74
Re: 1987 mercury 70 HP (3 cyl)

I just had the same problems wires to trigger fell apart in my hand. I went to Harbor Freight and bought a 8 inch three arm gear puller and pulled my flywheel and replaced my trigger. Just take it easy on the puller go slow and tap around the legs of the puller lightly and keep turning a little at a time until fly wheel pops up. It cost me 16 bucks. I have the exact motor you have. I can not say for sure this is the correct puller for the job. Im just a shadetree jack of all trades. My stator wires looked good so I did not replace it. And yes the trigger wires will make it pop snort and run like a bucking pony.
 
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