Merc 60hp

[mmarr]

'93 merc 60hp cranks and idles but when you put in reverse to unload off trailer it dies or if you go to forward it dies. Is it a carburetor issue?

 

[racerone]

How did it run for you last season?-----Could be running on 2 of 3 cylinders.----Post the actual compression values here.----And does spark jump a gap of 3/8" on each lead?

 

[mmarr]

How did it run for you last season?-----Could be running on 2 of 3 cylinders.----Post the actual compression values here.----And does spark jump a gap of 3/8" on each lead?

A buddy of mine just bought the boat. First time out it was hard to crank but finally did but was sluggish while opening it up. Got ramp and wouldn't try to crank so I later told him he probably fried his a solenoid which he replace and it would crank and idle on cuffs. He put it back in the water and when he engaged it would just Rev up but not engage in gear. He later returned home and put the cuffs on and it engaged in forward and reverse on cuffs
Took it back to lake and now engages without dieing but as soon as he pushes the Hot Foot it dies. I know this is long but thats all I know. I just took the 2 carbs off and cleaned them this morning he took it back to lake and same thing. Thanks

 

[racerone]

Questions in post #2 have not been answered.-----Goodb luck helping your buddy.

 

[mmarr]

135 on all the cylinders is what previous owner said.

 

[mmarr]

I guess we need to test spark gap next time. Thanks

 

[Berdink]

You should check the compression yourself anyway. While you are cranking it to check for spark, you can also verify the compression.
Get a spark tester that you can set to 3/8 inch to verify it's a strong healthy spark.

Why do people tell you to check compression first on an outboard motor?

People tell you to check compression first on an outboard motor because it serves as the ultimate diagnostic "gatekeeper." If an engine lacks proper compression, it cannot run efficiently—or at all—regardless of how much money or time you spend fixing the fuel, spark, or electrical systems.


The Three Essentials of Combustion

For any internal combustion engine to run, it requires three things: Fuel, Spark, and Compression.

 

[racerone]

A 2 stroke requires 4 things.----The elusive crankcase compression is often overlooked !