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  1. CaptnKingfisher

    Mercruiser 3.0 only stays running with key engaged?

    I think I understand what you're saying, if you run a 12v wire to the ignition coil the engine will run. So I agree with the previous poster. The purple resistance wire is your culprit. You can either hunt down the loose connection or broken purple wire (repair it the right way) or if you're...
  2. CaptnKingfisher

    2013 Merc 115 FI will not start

    Good to have a spark tester in the toolbox. Then we can determine whether we're chasing fuel issues or ignition circuit issues. Checking Killswitch and fuses are good places to start. Followed by faztbullets advice and clean the fuel filter. Try dripping some good fuel into the carb and see if...
  3. CaptnKingfisher

    Only starts with one plug removed

    Sounds to me like electrical problem. This was a puzzler on car talk once upon a time. Guy drives out with his girlfriend to "make out rock" or something of the sort, they go off into the woods for an hour and to his horror when he returns to the car he discovers his headlights were on the...
  4. CaptnKingfisher

    Concerned about damaging ignition system 1988 115hp L6

    Leave all the plugs in. Warm up the engine, then check timing while the engine is running. What color is the boat?
  5. CaptnKingfisher

    1973 Johnson V4 cylinder 1 overheating

    Perhaps when you did the work on the bad seal, pieces of the seal got into the cooling system and is obstructing the flow of water around the head. Despite having owned a few of these V4s, I can't remember how the water gets to the exhaust, but if you can access it and backflush the system with...
  6. CaptnKingfisher

    Low Engine Temp??

    My first step would be to verify low operating temp by using an infared temp gun on the engine. If that confirms you're running cool then inspect your thermostat. This is what a "stuck open" condition looks like. If stuck open, replace with part recommended by your service manual.
  7. CaptnKingfisher

    Four wings omc 4.3 wont start

    You should have a multimeter in your toolbox, it will help you diagnose this and other problems. First test your battery with a multimeter and verify you've got 12.5v or more. Next do a voltage drop test on the battery (read volts while cranking) should still be above 9. Next test voltage at...
  8. CaptnKingfisher

    Engine won't stay running

    What does "start and stop" mean, how long did it run for before stalling each time, a couple seconds? I'm still suspicious of the ignition circuit. 1st you had a Killswitch that you suspected went bad, then wired a new Killswitch and still had a no spark condition. Bypassed switch and saw...
  9. CaptnKingfisher

    Sudden high rpms, loss of speed, smooth engine, not the prop..

    My first thought is that the mechanic didn't fix the real problem when he adjusted your idle speed. Stalling in neutral could be a consequence of a problem in the ignition system or a dirty carb or a vacuum leak. If he was adjusting the idle speed and air mix to make the stalling go away you...
  10. CaptnKingfisher

    88 Cobra 350 Backfiring on Acceleration

    Backfiring is a sign of a lean condition. Sounds like your whole ignition system is basically new and your carb was freshly rebuilt. But who knows if the shop that installed this stuff did it right. If it were my engine this is what I'd do ..start with the easy stuff. Get a manual cuz you're...
  11. CaptnKingfisher

    How do I add gear oil to multiple fill plugs on OMC stern drive.

    My experience is mainly with outboards but someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Tilt engine to full down position. Open top and bottom plugs on each section to drain, fill from bottom plug (I use a hand pump that attaches to the fresh oil container) and pump oil into the housing until you see...
  12. CaptnKingfisher

    Pressure Test cooling system

    Forgot here's a diagram of the cooling system on this engine and the plugs I got
  13. CaptnKingfisher

    Pressure Test cooling system

    Boat belongs to a friend, I'm a shadetree mechanic (mainly outboards and my work truck). Anyway I show up to fix an ignition switch on a boat that hasn't been run since winter. Get the job done, we fire it up and water begins to fill the bilge. At this point notice a core plug missing. "Uh yeah...
  14. CaptnKingfisher

    1976 Johnson 135 HP V4 - Weak Spark on One Side (2 + 4)

    Picked up this old V4 for $300 cuz I had the same motor on the back of my boat (my other is a 1975, but most of the parts are the same). Old owner said it had no spark but ran when he put it away a decade ago (take that with a grain of salt, as usual). Compression was good, couple hundred bucks...
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