65 hp mercury not running right

[mrmarvc]

I have a 65 hp mercury that is a 1965 model. Got it running good in the back yard, then went and put it on the lake close to home. Oh, by the way, it's a straight 4 cyl. It was REALLY sluggish and no power. It died in the middle of the lake, and had to use starting fluid to keep it going to get back and loaded on trailer. I went through it and couldn't find anything obvious, so took it to a repairman, which I found out is not super repitable. He put in 4 new plugs, said he cleaned up the points, cleaned the 2 carbs, and put on a new distributor cap. All had not much affect. He says it acts like the condensor is bad or going bad. I paid him $251.00 and brought it home. I took off the distributor and took it apart and looked at it myself, the points don't really look too bad, but the wire that comes in through the side and goes to hook onto the little post on the points was all but coroded off. I replaced it myself, then mixed some gas 40:1 and put in a little "seafoam" additive. Finally got it started with garden hose on it, but still didn't run good or for very long. So I just give up, as the temp outside was only about 35 to 40 degrees. Could the outsied temp and temp of the water be a big factor? Also could the condensor really be going bad, I thought the condensor is either good or bad with no inbetween. Any suggestions or hints? Thanks much.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: 65 hp mercury not running right

A two stroke 4 cylinder outboard will sound like it's running A-ok on the garden hose in the back yard when it's only running on two or three cylinders... <br /><br />As the first order of buisness, I would check to make sure you have a strong spark on all cylinders by using a spark tester set at about 3/8" air gap... <br /><br />Next would be to do a compression test to find out if there is any internal engnie damage... On the compression test (with engine warm), all cylinders should be at least 100 psi and all psi readings should be within 10 to 15 psi of each other...<br /><br />Check the vent on the fuel tank to make sure it's open and clear....<br /><br />I would say you are correct on your "less than reputaple repair man"... You don't "clean up" points, you replace them... The points and condenser should be replaced at the same time...<br /><br />P.S. NEVER use starting fluid on a 2 stroke outboard motor...

 

[Hooty]

Re: 65 hp mercury not running right

Snapperbait's advice about not using starting fluid is good advice. Put some premix in a spray bottle and when the engine starts to die, give it a shot of fuel in the carbs and see what happens. If the carbs or fuel pump is a the problem, engine should pick up and run.<br />Lettus know.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[mrmarvc]

Re: 65 hp mercury not running right

Thanks Hooty ans Snapperbait for your advise. Since it is so cool here in my area now, around 25 to 30 degrees, I'll probably wait till warmer weather to try running the motor much more. I will go ahead and try the spark test and compression test and see what results from that. I think I may get new plug wires, as they are getting old, and will go ahead and get new points and condensor also. So if you don't hear from me for a while, thats why, I'm getting new parts to put on. As for this "repairman", I found out more on his dealings, and should be reported to the Better Buisness Bureow, or haunted by his victims. marvc

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: 65 hp mercury not running right

marvc-- it could be your condensor as some times they work ok until under a load, then they heat up. Do you have a manual yet? It also sounds like you may have a carberator likage and sychonization problem. If one carb is working properly it may run on the hose, but not on the water. Also did the mechanic clean and overhaul the carbs or just spray cleaner down them. Another place to check is your fuel pumps (about $8.00 each for repair kit) and the fuel lines for leakage or sucking air.