79' 70 hp merc. dies when i put it in gear

[hwft]

hello guys. thought it was the carbs so i took it in to get them rebuilt and they found that the #3 cylinder only had 45lbs of compresion. i put new piston and rings in that cylinder and new rings in the other two. i have good compresion in all cylinders now and i rebuilt the carbs. runs at an idle but still dies as soon as i put it in gear.i also put new fuel pump and all new fuel lines. could this be the timing?

 

[Hooty]

Re: 79' 70 hp merc. dies when i put it in gear

Hiddy hwft,<br />If it starts and runs out of gear, I doubt timing.<br />My guess is your losing a cylinder. While idling, short out the plugs, one at a time. I don't like to disconnect plug wires from the plugs because it puts a real strain on the ign. module. Shorting a plug that's firing will cause the engine to drop revs, shake etc.. When you short one that's not firing, it won't effect the way the engine is running. Pull the plug(s) that aren't firing and see if it's wet or dry and get back to us.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[Hooty]

Re: 79' 70 hp merc. dies when i put it in gear

One more thing.<br />You'll get a lot better response if you post engine problems on the "Engines and Motors" board.<br /><br />Hooty