Recent content by akwormy

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    1968 merc 500 50hp lacks power

    This motor has ran great for a while now, but suddenly has no power beyond say mid throttle. Runs great at idle and about to roughly midrange (no tach) but as you continue to throttle up you reach a point where it falls flat on it's face - doesn't quit running just bogs down. It is a magneto...
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    tiller throttle cable

    Trying to hang my 68 merc 500 on the boat I guess I bumped the hard plastic throttle cable housing coming out of the tiller handle - later when I went to twist the throttle that plastic cable just pops out and cable extends out instead of moving the throttle.... I can't find it available on...
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    76 chrysler 45hp 456hh impeller

    I just got this old motor and when I backed it in at the launch and started it for the first time I couldn't see any water out the telltale (couldn't see a telltale for that matter! but after some searching here see that it comes out the exhaust and no real stream). I took the thermostat out and...
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    Merc 500 - 50hp -differences 68 to 75?

    Hi folks - anyone have enough experience with the old merc thunderbolt ignition outboards to give me some idea of the differences between my 68 and a 75 I'm looking at buying for some spare parts and controls? Both are merc 50hp four cylinders. From what I can find out the controls are pretty...
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    Tach question - 68 merc 500

    I want to work on idle and timing issues but have no RPM info since this is a tiller steer motor with no tach or controls wiring. There is a sticker on the front of the motor that says only use a certain kind of tach (sorry I'm not by the motor right now) and of course there is no tach with the...
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    Steering friction - 68 merc 500

    Well...maybe I'm an idiot, but I cannot find the friction adjustment on this tiller steer outboard. I've searched this forum with no luck for that specific model, lots of other models discussed and it seems the common location is underneath motor accessed by tilting it up - but I don't see...
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    how to time a recoil start engine?

    So I r ead the sticky on synch and timing and am trying to do it on my 68 merc 500 I guess I have two questions - First question - how do use a timing light on a recoil motor?? I can't seem to get it...does it just take two people or what? Second question is about the first timing event...
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    idle help - 68 merc 500

    Hi all, Need a little advice please. This engine would die at idle and was very hard starting. I pulled carbs, disassembled, soaked and cleaned everything. Reassembled and reinstalled. While doing all that I found the supply fuel line from the tank fitting to the fuel pump to be bad...
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    1968 Merc 500 flywheel & starter

    Hi all - just picked up this 1968 500 hoping I can get some help on parts crossover so I can buy a flywheel and starter to convert it to electric start. Serial number is 2404571. I do have a shop manual for it. Can anyone give me an idea what years and hp size for other mercs that would be...
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    15hp lacks top end power

    Wondering if any of you have experience with a small outboard that lacks some power at the top end. 1984 Force 15hp. If I choke it a tiny bit (not to the first detent) it picks up and seems to run as it should...push the choke back to normal run position and it picks up a tiny bit more before...
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