Mariner outboard

[chuckdeb]

I have a 1990 40 horse Mariner outboard that I can't seem to get started. It cranks but does not fire up. It does not seem to be getting a spark. I inspected the sparkplugs and they look OK. Can anyone help me and maybe suggest a few things to try? I'm thinking about just going to get new sparkplugs.<br /><br />On a related note. Last year when I had it running good. It seemed the the first start of the day was always really hard. It usually took a while. Once I got it started and warmed it up it ran fine and started right away the rest of the day. Does anyone have any insight on this as well?<br /><br />Thanks in advance <br />cdeb

 

[Retro]

Re: Mariner outboard

One thing to do is check your ground wires off your ignition. I was working on a motor a few months ago, and I cranked and cranked and cranked. Finally found a loose wire. After that, she started right up!<br /><br />Of course, there are other more prominent issues. Make sure it's getting fuel. Maybe you have a weak/dead fuel pump. You might try taking the fuel line off the carbs and turning the engine. Make sure fuel shoots out. Otherwise, it's not getting any gas!<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[12Footer]

Re: Mariner outboard

Mercs and mariners and Forces....<br />Check for a corroded connector, on yours, probably at the kill switch.

 

[chuckdeb]

Re: Mariner outboard

Thanks guys, those are great suggestions. One thing I did forget to mention was I just had to take the ignition apart because I lost my keys. So I took the ignition to a locksmith. Is it possible I screwed something up when I put it back together. There were quite a few wires and connectors. Maybe I crossed some up. Any suggestions? Do you guys know where I can find an engine diagram? Or a wiring diagram for my ignition?<br /><br />Thanks<br />cdeb

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Mariner outboard

Deb, on the ignition switch the black wire witha yello stripe turns the ignition off.....when it is disconnected the engine will make spark..when its connected with the black wire[ground] the ignition is turned off...unhook the blk/yell and see if the motor starts...you'll have to choke it to turn it off...if i remember right, there are 2 posts on the back of the ignition switch marked "M" one for BLK and one for BLK/yell....good luck.