Re: number 3 no compression
Reesek -<br /><br />1976 merc 115 has no removable head. If you have never rebuilt one of these before there will be more suprizes for you as well. That plate that looks like a head gasket is only a cover for the water jacket. Real EZ to break bolts on that plate so I would advise that you leave it alone for now.<br /><br />The exhast side is prone to broken blot's also. But the intake doen't get as hot. On the side of the motor with the starter motor you should find 3 plates that cover the transfer ports. Take the second one off and it will allow you to get an "improved" view of whats going on.<br /><br />If your still praying - change your prayer to "stuck rings" and pray a lot.<br /><br />If after looking through the intake side you cannot rectify the low compression than a complete teardown is neccessary. There are many people here more qualified than I am to walk you through it, but it's a lot of work. If you decide to have a pro rebuild it you can go that way to but it will cost more.<br /><br />Also there is another message board devoted soley to the caring and feeding of these particular outboards. I don't have the link to it here on this computer but if you do a search you will find it.<br /><br />#3 is very common with these motors. The most common reason for it's failure is dirty carb's. I run seafoam in all my motors now (truck, lawnmower, etc..) and it seems to do a good job of cleaning things and stabilizing the gas.<br /><br />Good luck.
