1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

[Cee Bee]

My 78 140 hp outboard looses spark when the key is returned to run from start.
I have ran a jumper to the white post on the switch box to eliminate the key switch. I have pulled the plugs to have a good over run when the key returns to run from start, everything I have done gives the result that spark stops when the starter looses power.
I'm thinking switch box or pickup coils

but honestly I'm lost HELP!

Cee Bee

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

That motor should be a dist. based ignition. The Clam Canino Ign test susgests the trigger will do what you describe, if it is bad.

I do not know what a pickup coil is.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Sorry Distributor coil or trigger is what I should have said Pick up coil is automotive slang.

What is a Clam Canino ignition test and how is it done?

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

just goggled Clam Canino, Awesome thanks for the info

I'm stubborn and cheep so I've been fighting this for a while.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Sweet You Are the best Chris1956 (Clams ok too) Looks like I need a trigger assembly But since My Clymers manual has BUBKISS on the tear down of the dist im stuck again.
Any more miracle pointers

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

The bad news is that the trigger is integral to the dist. casing. Google the part number (get it from crowleymarine.com parts list), and find the web sources. I know CDIelectronics.com sells them, as do some others. It will be in the neighborhood of $200, and you need to tear the distributor apart. Get a Merc Manual, as it is a bit tricky....

PS the rotor is non removeable and fragile. It too is in the $200 range.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Here's a link to the .pdf file from CDI Electronics of the trigger replacement procedure:

http://www.cdielectronics.com/InstallSheet/134-3736.pdf

Note that on a '78 model, the distributor does not mount with thru-bolts and you'll have to remove the flywheel to gain access to at least one of those bolts. Recommend you purchase the type of flywheel puller that screws into the center of the flywheel (which is what the factory sells).

Here's an inexpensive puller I found on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310233894291

HTH..............ed

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

You guys are awesome thanks for the help.

One of these days I will find out how the Mach 1 Avenger handles. I'm not sure what year it is the green metal flake gel coat Like the 71 brochure but it has the gas fill up front. The 76 was painted and was only rated for 125 HP mine is rated for 150 SN# 3202 MOD 165 anyone know what year this is.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

You may remove the 8 bolts around the center of the flywheel and the outer flywheel will come off. It is easier than pulling the whole flywheel. Put some blue locktight on them and on 5/16" distributor pully bolt.

I had a Merc 1500 IL6 on my '74 Avenger. It is the 16footer model, rated for 85HP. After I blew that engine up, I dropped a 135HPV6 on it. The V6 motor has a lot more bottom end power.

I never get to open it up, however, since the water is mostly too rough, and my kidneys are not what they used to be. I expect it would run mid sixties or more, with a 25" Pitch prop.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Ya I got it off already by removing the center bolts. now I am beating the shoreline for cheep parts. (getting a divorce 4 kids =0 cash)

My Clymers manual states that a bad trigger or unusual engine shut down is often caused by a bad solder connection in the trigger so i'm about to try and do the impossible and dig the plastic off the trigger, I know I know Impossible!
But what can it hurt?

I have yet to get my Avenger wet. I traded a mini sprint for it in Sept 01, wow it has been a long time but I got it right after I fell into a hole July 01. Now I have more time to Tinker but no $$ The avenger was and still is a project, had to replace the floor in front of the transom approx 47in up toward the front needs seat mounts, I got some seats from an auction, seconds but high quality. Any tips on polishing the old jell coat it is in very poor condition but I would like to keep it. So far I have been hitting it with 400 and then a 3M Cleaner wax with a buffer it is a fine line not pulling up the metal flake.

So the higher the pitch will get more top end? I suspect more blades = more skiers?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Higher pitch means more top speed, weaker hole shot. However, the motor needs to have the power to swing the greater pitched prop. I ran a 21" pitch Merc prop on my 1500, on that avenger. Your Mach I is likely a bit heavier than mine, so you might need to go to a 19" pitch.

What part of the country are you in? I got a whole Merc 1500 motor, except for a small hole in the crankcase.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

The 76 version of my boat gives an approx weight of 800# but it is only rated for 125hp. Mine is rated for 150, the 71 Mach 1 is boasting "Totally hand laminated" I'm thinking that it would be a little heavier and stronger but I am guessing.

I live in south west michigan but I am a service guy for an rv company and I never know where we might have a truck. All independent drivers but I know most of them and might be able to pull a favor> What are you looking to get out of it

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

My boat is similar to the "16 Standard Outboard", in your brochure.

I had no expectations on a price for the 1500. I have been too lazy to sell the PTT. I also thought I could maybe use the starter and gearcase on my V6, I think they will fit. Let me know what you want, and we can work something out. I do not depend on OB parts for anypart of my income LOL.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Well right now I need the dist, but if I can pull it off ill take the switch box rectifier and sator. Well the carbs mite b a good thing to buy also. well the straps that go from the motor to the mount and the pin that goes through them are also busted.

Where you located?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Ocean County NJ.

Make your own ground straps out of copper wire and crimp on terminals.

My carbs are good, the stator is good. The distributor is good, however, I scavanged the trigger and switchbox off a '73 Merc 850, which I have been using for parts. I cannot predict if they will last years or minutes. Cap is original, but the wires are fairly new.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

The straps are nylon tiedown they look like they were for keeping the motor from floating up in reverse? but I don't know why because it has PTT.
Ill look them up in the Clymers book tonight.

Well the suspense is killing me How much For the DIST? Let's start there.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

Those are heavy nylon straps that keep the motor from flying into the boat when you hit something at high speed. The pin that holds them is important, as it holds the PTT brackets as well. I replaced mine shortly before the engine blew, since it was starting to fall apart.

I would be willing to part with the block, cowl, midsection, transom clamps for a couple of hundred. The midsection, transom clamp and external engine parts are in pretty good shape. The distributor ignition, carbs, fuel pump etc, did work OK, on the day it blew up. One of the connecting rod bolts snapped, causing a wee bit of an issue.

Transport is the real issue.

 

[Cee Bee]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

I just got the transom clamps ETC of a 125 I have a buddy with a scrap yard and i just discovered he has a pile of motors out back. No dist though the 125 had one on it but wrong type or at least looks different so how about the electronics $ ?

If you don't want to split it up How much do you think everything weighs?

So how hard were you pushing it

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 merc 1400 ignition issues

The whole motor was 300#. Figure 60# for the gearcase. I don't mind splitting it up, but disassembly and pacing in boxes and shipping is not my interest at this time.

BTW - The motor blew at low RPM, as I accelerated out of the no wake zone. The rod bolts simply gave up.