1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

[lollypop_x]

I recently had my motor rebuilt (supposedly) last year, and it ran very sluggish and didnt seem to have much power during the summer. I was only able to go about 10-15mph. This year, I decided to rebuild the carburetor and when i took it out, it ran good at about 30mph for a few hours, but then suddenly i began to lose power and was running sluggishly again. this time, i noticed the motor was shaky.

I took the boat home and spend hours trying to figure out why it was soo shaky when at idle. I played with the timing and the wiring to try to figure it out, but eventually it wouldnt even start anymore. Everytime i would start the motor, it would turn over but never keep idle. It seems like it would almost start up, but it would spin for only a slight second.

I then did a compression check and noticed that cylinders 1 and 2 were very low. sure enough, when i took it apart, the head gasket was blown between the two cylinders. I replaced the head gasket, the lifter rods, and the ignition coil in the process of putting it back together. when i tried to start it back up, it still gives me the same problem. It would turn over, but seemed like it would spin for just a second.

I am soo exhausted. one problem fixed always leads to another problem, but this time i am stuck. Any help would be great. thanks!!!

 

[Don S]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

Sonds like you keep fixing the engine, but the engine isn't the cause or your problems.
Check for water in the cylinders.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

Ayuh,....

If the motor is up to snuff, per a compression test,....
And,.. The Igntion is up to snuff, per a Tune-up,.. Good Spark, Right,..??

Then,...
It sounds like you're still fighting a Fuel Delivery Issue.....

 

[lollypop_x]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

I checked the oil and it doesnt seem to have water in it. Also, there is a fuel/water separater attached to the fuel line if it helps with fuel. Initially, i thought it was a fuel delivery problem too, but when the motor is off, it seems that when i push the throttle, gas does squirts out into the carb... I did notice that the fuel line was leaking due to stripped treads, but it was leaking before and still started fine.

I tried to check if gas was squirting while turnin the motor over, but i couldnt tell. how do i check if the fuel pump is the problem?

 

[Don S]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

I checked the oil and it doesnt seem to have water in it

Pull the spark plugs and check the cylinders for water or rust on the plugs.

I did notice that the fuel line was leaking due to stripped treads,

Fix it before you blow yourself up or catch on fire while trying to get it started

 

[lollypop_x]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

No water or rust on the spark plugs....

 

[Coors]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167561

 

[Coors]

Re: 1984 Merc 140 I/O problem starting

Don should copyright that, and have it put in every boat manual.