76 murcury 850 outboard wont shut down

[oldman9]

I rewired it and it started right up.
I went to turn it off and it kept running.
I had to pull the spark plug wires to shut it off.
Any thoughts?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 76 murcury 850 outboard wont shut down

Yes, if that motor is a '76, it will have four ign coils. The ign on that motor is killed by grounding the orange wire. You should see the orange wire on the switchbox. Put a meter on it (ign key off) and see if it is grounded. If not, trace it back to the ign key and see why. The ign key should connect it to ground. Some of the reasons that are possible is ground wire broke before key; key switch defective; orange wire broke before switchbox; quick disconnect plug bad.

 

[oldman9]

Re: 76 murcury 850 outboard wont shut down

Thanks so much for the help!
It was the ignition switch.
We took the boat down to the lake today and it did well but I'm thinking the cooling impeller needs to be replaced and the carbs need gone Thur agean.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 76 murcury 850 outboard wont shut down

oldman. definitely change the impellar before the next, joyride.
CHEAP insurance.
Change lowerend oil also.