Merc 700 1961 Points?????

[zasuwa]

Where are the points on this inline 6 cylinder engine? I can't figure out how to remove the stuff above the distributor cap. The distributor cap comes off ok, but the rotor seems hooked up permanently. I just want to inspect the points. I am sure no one has replaced them in 30 years. The engine starts, but has trouble idling and after screaming around the lake (hi-speed is no trouble at all, no hesitation at all) - the engine does not want to restart. So I am going to rebuild the carbs, but I think I should look at the points. I just can't figure out how to open up that area. Anybody out there do this before?

All the wires have been replaced.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Merc 700 1961 Points?????

You will need a rotor puller as most have been loctite on and if you breack the rotor you will find it very rare and very expencive.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Merc 700 1961 Points?????

Also check the ballast resistors. if bad will make coils overheat and not idle well

 

[zasuwa]

Re: Merc 700 1961 Points?????

Decided to try the easiest thing first. I took apart my fuel pumps (2) and noticed that the rubber gaskets were blown out and stretched bad. I ordered a rebuild kit and rebuilt both pumps. This included the check valves, gaskets and new rubber gasket. This did the trick. Apparently the motor was being starved for fuel. Runs like a champ. I hate to turn it off. Idles perfectly and restarts instantly even after running for a long time. I would have never suspected the fuel pumps, but after having so much trouble restarting I noticed that if I squirted some fuel in the carbs she would restart. So that's why I did the pumps. I let the points sit for a spell - maybe a few years. It runs too good to mess with it. Thanks for your advice.