Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

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lipinski

Cadet
Joined
May 19, 2010
Messages
26
I'm trying to troubleshoot a problem with an old 1968 Merc 110 9.8HP outboard.
(Serial 2472654).

Following some different troubleshooting guides, I tested the resistance from each spark plug wire to the block. 7k on one cly, OL on the other. I tracked it down to supposedly a bad coil.

Few questions:
- Where can I find a replacement coil? Looking online, I've found some that "might" work, but it's hard to tell because the diagram doesn't really match my motor.
- Secondly, the spark plug wires pulled off both coils rather simply. It seems like there's a screw/contact of some sort on the coil that the wire simply slid on to. It was not attached very well. I'm concerned that if I purchase a replacement coil, I don't know if the old wire will attach securely.

I spoke with a local shop and he mentioned I need a new set of wires as well in addition to the coil, and maybe have to replace both coils. His pricing was $85/coil and $22/wire - which is over $200 to replace both coils and wires, which seemed very high.

I also called CDI and they claim to not have any parts for motors with points (which I find hard to believe...)

Any ideas?
 
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lipinski

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May 19, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

Cool - Thanks for the link.

But, do you know how the plug wire attaches to the coil?

I guess I'm asking because I supposedly have one good coil, but the plug wire came off that one - I don't know if I can just "stick" it back together (which doesn't seem too secure), or should I buy a replacement plug wire for my good coil too?
 
Faztbullet

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,920
Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

They should push into coil as it has needle in center to pierce the inner conductor. Use only a copper core wire and not a auto stye carbon/graphite.
 
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lipinski

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May 19, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

I can't thank you enough for all the help, but I have one more question...

I'm having a really hard time swallowing the $65 price tag for one coil - mainly because I suspect I should replace both of them while I'm at it. Since this motor hasn't be run in over 5 yrs, I'd hate to spend that kind of cash to find some other expensive problem.

I've seen some articles about replacing old Merc (and other brands') coils with OMC coils which are much cheaper ($15-20). Looking around, they seem to "look" the same. Any experience with that? Or, am I asking for trouble doing something like that?
 
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lipinski

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May 19, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

Gerry - Thanks, but I don't think that's the right one. The diagram does not match and my coil looks entirely different.

The problem I keep running into on this outboard is that the serial number (2472654) falls in this "mystery" range that doesn't exist on a lot of the online part lookups. I even called CDI and they said that was not a valid serial number....
 
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carholme

Rear Admiral
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Sep 4, 2010
Messages
4,845
Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

lipinski;

See what you mean, the range 1865779 - 2798056 is missing. Have sent an email to Crowley about this and will let you know when I hear.

The link I sent you previously is for the model 1110108 which is the only one that comes up in the historical search for 9.8 for 1968.

Gerry
 
Faztbullet

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
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Messages
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Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

replacing old Merc (and other brands') coils with OMC coils which are much cheaper ($15-20). Looking around, they seem to "look" the same.
Click to expand...
On the OEM coil the plug wire exits at the rear and the OMC exits the side which with some wire tie's should not make a difference. The only thing I would worry about is the mounting post in center of coil as if the Merc is larger you will have to grind it down to fit.
 
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carholme

Rear Admiral
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Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

lipinski;

Here is the message and response from Crowley:

Sirs;

In the online search engine, I am looking for a 1968 Mercury model 110, 9.8 hp., s/n 2472654 which falls within this range:

9,8 110 2-cyl 2290663 2508758 1968 USA

When I do the search using the s/n function under model 110, the first two ranges which come up are:

1470349 - 1865778

2798057 - 3263262

The range between the above two, 1865779 - 2798056 seems to be missing.

Is it me or am I not looking in the right place.

Bringing up model 1110108 is not the correct listing for s/n 2472654.

Regards

Gerry



Collin Peters

Boat Parts Support Forum - Crowley Marine

Hi Gerry,

I'm not sure why that range is missing from the search. I was able to locate the correct diagrams for your motor here: http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/453.cfm.

Thank you

Mar-19 2011 13:40

You will see that this link which he provided is different from the previous but still with the same coil p/ns:

As you go through the two links you will see the different carbs etc., so maybe this link fits your engine better.

Sorry I cannot give you better coil information but are you sure you just don't have a bastardized coil? What is the p/n of it?

Gerry
 
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lipinski

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Joined
May 19, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

The coils I have have no writing on them whatsoever. I know they are original because I received this motor from the original owner (family member), and I know it has less than 100 hrs on it. It mainly sat in a shed for 30+ years.

There's still something odd, that diagram does not look anything like my engine.

Even though per the serial mine is a 1968, for kicks I looked up the 1967, which led me to this link:
http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/398.cfm

Notice there are two different section/links:
FLYWHEEL, STATOR AND IGNITION COIL
and
STATOR PLATE ASSEMBLY

The FLYWHEEL, STATOR, ... link shows the wrong diagram.
But, the STATOR PLATE ASSEMBLY shows what mine looks like.

The Coil there is listed as p/n 398-2568T1. Unbelievably it is almost $90. Unless that is for a pair, that's outrageous.

Faztbullet provided a link through eastcoastmarine/oldmercs that has an aftermarket one for $65.

The other thing I can't believe is the pricing for the spark plug wire (cable assy) on crowley - that's $30 for a spark plug wire...

I know old parts are expensive, but from crowley, if I were to replace the wires, coils and points would be upwards of $270. Is it just me, or is that nuts?

If I knew with 90+% confidence that replacing the coils and points on this motor, it'd be running, I'd probably do it, but the unknown of what else may be wrong (and more $$$ for parts) scares me...
 
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carholme

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
4,845
Re: Replace coil on 1968 Merc 110 - 9.8HP

lipinski;

Yes that is the same link which i sent you in post #6.

Doesn't matter which supply house you use, they are all going to be within a few dollars of each other for new ones.
Those prices are for one unit.
Gerry
 
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