merc 1150 that wont start

[the one mac]

My uncle just bought a boat and he is having trouble with the motor. We are still newbies to repair this boat but I can catch on pretty fast. We got the motor working once, it ran good out of the water. We just used starter fluid and it worked fine. As soon as we dropped it on a lake it wouldnt start. We again used starter fluid and it started but it wouldnt pick up any speed. It started smoking. We recently took apart the lower part where the water pump was and saw that we need to replace it. It still wont start. The dis. cap and the spark plugs seem to be fine. We took it to a mechanic and he said that we need to get new pistons. We just need a second opionon from someone else.. cause he seem to be ripp'n us off.

 

[12Footer]

Re: merc 1150 that wont start

Hi, Jimmy,and welcome to iboats.<br />I'm afraid I don't have any good news for you. Starting fluid is death to 2cycle engines. It has no lubrication in it.Not only that, but the nature of it strips any residual oils in the engine. The result is quick destruction of the bearings,sleaves, wrist pins and other vitals...Sometimes, in less than 3 minutes!<br />In the future, use WD40 or a spray bottle with 50:1 mix in it,to test with (and test only).You should not need to prime an outboard, outside of pump the primer bulb firm,and a few revolutions with the choke on.<br />If that doesn't start you, don't go out in the boat. Use the WD40 or mix to determine whether it's fuel or ignition related problems, and fix it.<br />I'm concerned you may have scored the sleaves badly.<br />Run a compression test to see if it is still within spec on all 6 cylinders. If not, your mechanic,unfortunately, is telling you the aweful truth.

 

[Valv]

Re: merc 1150 that wont start

Run a compression test. If any cylinder has low compression or more than 15% difference, you need a rebuild. Usually these motors run 110lbs to 120lbs.