165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

[frostywalrus81]

Ok so I am still having trouble with the motor in my boat. I have a 1971 Mark Twain w/ a 165hp Mercruiser inline 6 and I have changed the plugs, oil, oil filter and checked the coil, cap, rotor. I have also rebuilt the carbs. For some reason it will start, all it does is turnover but does not start. If anyone can help me I sure could use it. Thanks

 

[cooter2506]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Does it have points. If so did you set them and the dwell?

 

[frostywalrus81]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Yes it has points but this is my first boat so I'm pretty dumb when it comes to distributers. I'm used to working on newer car motors. If someone can find me a pic of what points are that would be great cause I have had no luck. Thanks

 

[PowerAddict]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Did you verify you have fuel going to your carb? Did you verify you have spark at the plugs? at the coil?

 

[TJDave]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Is this a new to you boat? Did it sit all winter? I have a '73 165 Mercruiser I-6 and at the beginning of every season, I have to prime it to get it to start, or it will just crank and wear the battery down. Plus, it is bad for the old starter to crank that long waiting for fuel to be pumped to the carb. A little starting fluid or gasoline down the carb, and it starts right up. (I always put the spark arrestor thingy back on the top of the carb before I crank it) Not sure if that is your problem, but I thought I would throw that out there.

 

[frostywalrus81]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

I had the coil, cap and rotor tested and they are in working order. I also didn't see a primer ball near the tank so I have no idea how to prime it. I did try to put a little but of gas in the carb and it didn't nothing. I don't know if I put to little but it didn't start. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

I'm pretty dumb when it comes to distributers. I'm used to working on newer car motors. If someone can find me a pic of what points are that would be great cause I have had no luck. Thanks

Ayuh,... It's in the Manual,.... It's also Why you have No spark...

 

[PNW Driver]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

 

[ken_23434]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Do you have the Mercruiser Service Manual for your application? At the top thread called --Adults Only--- there are links to download the official Mercruiser Service Manuals. Free too. The guidance in them might be very helpful to you.

 

[frostywalrus81]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

So I know i'm kinda beating this points thing like a dead horse. But is it possible to find the points to this distributor at a parts store other than at the marine store. With this engine being pretty old I am not sure if they would have them and I would really like to try to get this boat on the water this weekend. Thanks

 

[searay3]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

points are cheap. NAPA may have them. The boat is old and a good looking over the distributor is probably in order. The wire that comes from the coil is insulated from the distributor case. Make sure it is not shorted where it passes thru. Also the condensor can short the points out. Check that the advance mechanism is free and not rusted solid. Get a manual from the adult sticky above. you will need it. All the info is in there. To test for spark, pull the big wire out of the disributor and hold it about a 1/4 inch off the block while you crank the engine over. you should see a blue spark snap there. Then take a spare plug, connect it to one of the plug wires and lay it next to the block so the metal body is touching, and crank it. (not near the plug hole, fuel may ignite), and crank to verify you have spark at the plugs. Once the points/condenser are replaced, set them by the manual, start the engine, and adjust dwell and timing.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

But is it possible to find the points to this distributor at a parts store other than at the marine store.

Ayuh,... I Agree,.. Napa lists them,+ can/ should have them on the shelf, or overnight...

Try breaking the glaze with some emery cloth,...They might Work...

 

[frostywalrus81]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Thanks guys I am going to check the points tomorrow I just wanted to know if I could find them if I needed them.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Blue-Streak DR-2240 X for points

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

frosty; my old bayliner 165 was that way when i got it and i found the shift interupt switch stuck in the closed position so it was grounding the coil and no spark. i think and cant rember for sure its the gray wire on the coil. you should be able to check it out with the manuales don has given the links for and find it pretty quick.

not saying thats whats wrong with yours but giving you more ideas to check

 

[frostywalrus81]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

Thanks Jax I will have to try that one too. I plan on a long day of trying to get this thing running.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

good luck and thank don for the manuals
one thing about those old point systems-there a lot cheaper and easyer to work on

 

[hoot]

Re: 165hp Mercruiser Won't start!!!!

does your boat have a safety kill switch? it should somewhere. perhaps the connector is off or the switch is bad.

like tj said, if this is the first time this year, i would pull the cap off the fuel pump, carefully pour a little gas in the pump, reinstall the cover on the pump, pour some gas into the carb, not much, reattach the spark arrester, and try again.

some basic stuff like pushing the throttle down and see if gas squirts into the carb, pull the coil wire and hold it close to a ground (lifting lug), have someone turn the start switch and watch for fire jumping across. these are good motors if maintained. mine is a 78 model.

the above are my opinions and i am not responsible for any mishaps.