Mercury 200 won't start.....

[harvld]

I recently purchased a 1975 Mercury 200. The seller said it had been used very little and it looked brand new, BUT it won't run! I have rebuilt the carberator, changed plugs, checked compression, it was 110 on both cylinders. I finally got it started, it runs rough and when I put it in gear it quit and now won't start. I would appreciate some help on this "bargin".

 

[JAY 22]

Re: Mercury 200 won't start.....

is it a 2 stroke? have you mixed gas? check the engine oil. check the wiring, a small cut will ruin you. check for rust in the gas tank. check your spark if it's blue your ok if it's white it's weak. if the compressions good it's either a fuel problem or an electrical problem. sometimes it's as simple as getting it to start and running it for a little while, to burn all the crap out of there. thats about all i got. also try some ether.