20 hp merc.

[JBK248]

Newbie here. both to the forum and to owning a boat. Just bought a 14' mirrorcraft with a 20 hp merc 200. . I took it out for the first time tonight and it took me quite a while to get it running. (started for previous owner in one pull, ugh) I'm not sure of the year, it is older 70's or early 80's.(chrome plate on the front, 200 on the back) It seemed that I had to have the tiller control in just the precise spot to get it started, which was not exactally on the "start line" of the handle. Is this normal or is it something I should/could remedy? Also, the motor has electric start that does not work. I knew this when i bought it. When i push the button to start absolutely nothing happens(not even a click). Good Battery and clean connections, what should things should i be checking? I'd appretiate any help! Thanks

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 20 hp merc.

Serial number would help. 70 between 80 is huge

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

where should i look for the serial # ?

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 20 hp merc.

Try looking on the mounting bracket.....above the transom clamps...sort of under the lower cowling near where the fuel line connects.

Mercury's are ID'd by serial number; not model number. Without a serial number you can't look up much of anything.

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

i will get serial # in morning, after doing some looking on youtube. i believe its a '68.

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

ok got it the serial # is 2433581

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

looks like the starter could be bad. It is getting voltage but nothing happens. also, spark plug wire is fairly loose on bottom cylinder. Could this be an issue?

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 20 hp merc.

Yes; 1968

200 (20,0) 2296267 - 2550064 1968 2 cyl

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: 20 hp merc.

If I were you...I'd not worry about the electric starting issues until I evaluated the rest of the motor. Check compression. Check lower unit operation. And evaluate corrosion or the lack of it. Those motors have carbon steel driveshafts and they can really rust up badly if they've seen salt water and haven't been greased up well over all the years.

http://www.mercruiserparts.com/selectDocs.asp?doc_nbr=48711

there's a link to a parts source for your particular 20. In particular I was curious as to which ignition system you have. It looks like you're OK....some of the early 70's engines use stators that are worth more than the engine is. Yours has a basic system that can be serviced inexpensively (by comparison)

Chuck

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

Thanks for your reply Chuck, it sounds like i need to find someone who knows what they're doing! I have very little knowledge of these things! I do know that when I took the boat out last night, once I got it started up, it seemed to run well and was much easier to start thereafter.

 

[JBK248]

Re: 20 hp merc.

took everything apart and put back together and the electric start will now turn over! promising! going to drop it in the water after dinner and see what happens!