Re: 71 Merc 850 with no spark
Justin, the cap doesn't have to be replaced, the stainless clamp just holds it in place and it can easily be removed. No sense in replacing unless it's broken.<br /><br />The rotor comes out of the trigger housing as one big assy and if it's not busted on the cap end, you can re-use it too.<br /><br />It doesn't take that long to take the distributor out, or apart, can't believe this mech. wants to charge you $800 labor for a 2.5 to 3-hour job at most. I'd stay away if I were you!!!<br /><br />You may be able to find a price break on some of the distributor parts at
www.boatfix.com. <br />Get a parts list for your motor at
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/collections/index.cfm?fuseaction=collectdetails&colid=01 <br /><br />I'd recommend getting a Seloc or equiv manual if you want to attempt this repair, it'll step you the process from start to finish.<br /><br />The distributor isn't that hard to get apart. Locking tabs on top, then the end unscrews. Once that's off you have to pry the small upper bearing out. Then you'll see the end of the rotor shaft and locknut. Use a 3/4" deep socket on an impact wrench. If you hold the rotor firmly in a leather-gloved hand, the locknut'll come right loose when you hit it with the impact. You may even be able to use a ratchet to loosen it up, just depends on how tight it is.<br /><br />Once you have the locknut loose, the rotor taps out the bottom. Hold the copper 'chopper' disc in place while tapping the rotor out. With the rotor out you'll see the bottom bearing pressed into the trigger housing, and a snap ring. You'll need new bearings and snap ring if the housing assy doesn't come with these already installed.<br /><br />You'll note that the copper disc is keyed to fit the rotor. Before removing, mark the disc with a magic marker so you'll get the correct side out upon reassembly.<br /><br />You'll probably have to remove the flywheel to get the distributor out, unless the dist. uses thru-bolts, and the nuts are accessible. Later style motors have threaded bosses and the bolts install from the top; these are blocked by the flywheel which must be removed to gain access.<br /><br />When you're done, you'll have to re-set belt timing and readjust your maximum spark advance.<br /><br />Piece of Cake with a manual, also search this forum and you'll probably find this and more described in detail.<br /><br />One other option, check with these guys as last time I was over there they were selling a complete used Merc distributor assy for around $300 or so:<br /><br />Mike's Marine, Port Orchard, WA. <br /><br />
http://www.mikesmarinerepair.com/ <br /><br />You could go to their yard in Pt. Orchard or have it shipped out, it wouldn't be that much to Bellingham.<br /><br />Funny, lotsa stuff seems more expensive up there. Guess they know they've got you over a barrel. I drug home a dead Trooper after the timing chain broke and the local Ford dlr told him the engine would have to be replaced to the tune of over $3000!!! It was a great deal for what I got it for and after I replaced the timing chain it ran great!.<br /><br />Maybe I should set up a boat shop in Bellingham! Nyuk.<br /><br />G'luck with the distributor...........ed
