2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

fly fish

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I just recently purchased a boat with a Merc 115 Saltwater 2 stroke. I had a leaking head gaskett which was fixed professionaly. The boat ran great for 3 trips totaling 6 running hours. On my last trip I was running just over a quarter tank of fuel and I was trolling at low RPMS for about 20 minutes. I trottled up, as the boat came up on plane and settled I heard what sounded like a ticking / chatter noise coming from the engine. As I throttled down she was running very rough and bogging a bit. I had a 40 minute trip back into the dock through a few no wake zones and at low RPM's the engine wanted to stall. I tried trottling up again and she did run a little rough. Low RPM's she rean ver rough and wanted to stall again. At the dock she did stall. I had to let her sit pump the baulb and raise up the Idle just a bit to get her on the trailer. When I got the boat home I ran her with the muffs and she started and ran without stalling. I check the pluggs and the number 1 plug appeared dry and the rest were wet.They were in good shape. Can anyone share what I may be up against. The motor has not seen saltwater prior to my purchase and I may have put a good 40 hours on her prior to having these problems.<br /><br />Any direction would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />David :confused:
 

andy6374

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Check to see if you are getting spark on all the cylinders? IF that is good, look at the compression on all the cylinders. This will giving a starting point.<br /><br />-andy
 

fly fish

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Originally posted by andy6374:<br /> Check to see if you are getting spark on all the cylinders? IF that is good, look at the compression on all the cylinders. This will giving a starting point.<br /><br />-andy
Andy, thanks for the info. Please excuse me as I am new to outboards. What is the best way to check the spark. With #1 plug dry I am assuming that I am not getting spark on that cylander. Especially at low RPMS when 2 strokes are running on the top 2 and the engine was bogging.<br /><br />Thanks for your help
 

andy6374

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Get yourself an inline spark tester. You can purchase one at any automotive store. You attach one end to the ignition boot and the other to the spark plug and it lights up when it is getting spark.
 

fly fish

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Originally posted by andy6374:<br /> Get yourself an inline spark tester. You can purchase one at any automotive store. You attach one end to the ignition boot and the other to the spark plug and it lights up when it is getting spark.
 

fly fish

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Originally posted by andy6374:<br /> Get yourself an inline spark tester. You can purchase one at any automotive store. You attach one end to the ignition boot and the other to the spark plug and it lights up when it is getting spark.
Andy.<br /><br />I put in a new set of NGK's today filled with super added some Quick Silver Dry fuel and she ran like new. I ran her at low and high rpm for about 3hours. no problems. If the problem occurs again can I assume I am running rich and fouling plugs?<br />Thanks for your help.
 

andy6374

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

I run new plugs every season. But usually a bogging down problem is associated with losing a cylinder or dirty carbs. But sour fuel will definitely kill you. Glad to hear the engine is running good.<br /><br />P.S. A carb cleaning over the winter wouldn't hurt, considering you haven't ever done one. You will certainly notice the difference. Plus dirty carbs can cause your engine to run lean and damage the engine.<br /><br />-andy
 

fly fish

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Re: 2001 Mercury 115 hp Saltwater 2 stroke

Originally posted by andy6374:<br /> I run new plugs every season. But usually a bogging down problem is associated with losing a cylinder or dirty carbs. But sour fuel will definitely kill you. Glad to hear the engine is running good.<br /><br />P.S. A carb cleaning over the winter wouldn't hurt, considering you haven't ever done one. You will certainly notice the difference. Plus dirty carbs can cause your engine to run lean and damage the engine.<br /><br />-andy
Andy,<br /><br />Thanks for the help, I ran her again yesterday and she seemed to be fine. I plan on taking out of the water mid October. Would it be worth an overall carb cleaning before then? Our should I wait for Srping tune up?<br />Thanks in advance
 
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