1150 Spark control or what?

[sarconastic]

I have been working on this '73 1150 for what seems like an eternity now. I finally broke down and took it to a local repair shop. Problem was it started and idles great. would not accelerate.<br />I rebuilt the carbs. Fuel pumping fine, good compression across all 6 cyl. thought i had found all the problems one at a time but never could get to open up. <br /><br />started to do a link and sync. and could not get enough advance. Idle at 2 deg ATDC and when brought up to try and get the 2 deg BTDC where the carbs should start to open they were already opening up 1/3. <br /><br />Took it to the mechanic and he ended up with same result. He doesn't have a bench tester for the spark control module but he seems to think this could be causing the retarded timing. DOes the spark control have this capability. He confirmed that the engine has good strong spark. that the fuel is good but the timing cannot be advanced enough. <br /><br />When running the best we could get was a mild wake at around 1400RPM. <br /><br />THe connections on the spark control box are deteriorated and there is a small hole inthe box on the bottom that shows what appear to be some kind of resistor coil showing through. <br /><br />If this sounds like it could be the problem let meknow.<br /><br />THanks a lot<br /><br />Sarc.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

If it is in that bad of shape, it certainly should be replaced. I would imagine it is doing a lot of internal arcing.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Sarconastic, The spark timing comes from the position of the belt on the distributor pulley and the position of the distributor body. The switchbox is not capable of changing the timing. You do not say if you followed the procedure in the manual, so it is hard to tell what is wrong. If you have a hole in the switchbox, that is a problem. I would seal it with silicone and hope it works. <br />Make sure the timing belt is installed properly such that the basic timing is set correctly. You are supposed to have about 6 degrees BTDC when the carbs start to open. There is an adjustment on the distributor for this, however it is not obvious. The distributor has two 1/4" bolts which allow a collar to adjust to open the carbs at the correct time. I would think that either this collar is out of adjustment by a lot, or the distributor pulley not synchronized with the flywheel.<br /><br />The last time I set the timing on my 1977 1500, I followed the procedure in the manual, and found the timing very retarded, and had to advance the distributor pulley 1 tooth to bring it into a range where I could adjust it properly.

 

[sarconastic]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Chris,<br />I was really tired when i wrote the first post, and I mistated a few numbers, sorry about that. Here's the right way I think lol.<br /><br />I did follow the procedure in the manual to set the timing. When the Distributor is timed according to the manual, by bringing #1 TDC (indicator does read 0) and then turning the flywheel back to bring it in line with the center of the dist. pulley and the dot on the dist. pulley is lined up with the indicator onthe flywheel. It is idling at 0 deg. <br /><br />The problem is when trying to set the Primary pickup for the carbs. Book says to advance the throttle till the timing is between 5 & 7 Deg BTDC, Then set the primary pickup to just touching the carb. On my boat it is already advancing the carb cluster at this point. The throttle pickup plate is already backed off as far as it will go. SO i cannot set the primary pickup right. <br /><br />The part that confuses me here is if the timing is set according to the book it should still have some adjustment in the pickup plate. <br /><br />I am very familiar with automotive work but, boats are my new learning curve. I just have a feeling this is going to turn out to be a simple fix eventually, but it's driving me absolutely insane right now.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Sarc<br /><br />Then bringing the throttle up till the timing light shows

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Perhaps the belt on the distributor is 1 tooth off? <br /><br />Here's a test. As you are turning the motor in it's normal direction of rotation, the little nib on the bottom of the dist. pulley outta line up with the little nib on the block just as the motor is *approaching* TDC (about 4 degrees or less)<br /><br />-W

 

[sarconastic]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

When I first checked the timing, The dist. was one tooth CW out fo time. I reset it to match the book and it still wouldn't come in. <br /><br />Haw far counterclockwise can I go without causing troubles?<br /><br />The way it is right now is dead on according to book, it's idling at 0 Deg. <br /><br />Sarc

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Check it against what I told you and then get back to me. If it's belted correctly then it becomes a MECHANICAL issue as the the relatioship of the distributor to the carb tang.<br /><br />-W

 

[sarconastic]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Ok I finally solved the Mercury 115hp Dillemma. <br /><br />It was really rather easy. <br /><br />I took my Boat to a local mech. that was going to change out the entire ignition system to a newer model for about $750. <br /><br />2 days after I get it there, he calls me on the cell phone and asks if I would be interested in a used motor a guy wants to sell. The guy wants a new 4 stroke he tells me. <br /><br />Long story short. I bought am '86 Evinrude VRO 110HP (VRO disconnected) and got it put on and running for $1200. Came with 2 Props, 1 new, 1 rebuilt. <br /><br />Have had it out to the lake 3 times. Runs great, might need a tuneup, is a little rich. But comes out of the hole like a rocket and starts every time.<br /><br />Thanks to all that tried to help me. Now All I need help with is parting out the old motor. In the end I should be able to $400 to $500 from the parts that are good on my old motor.

 

[timmathis]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

I would keep that inline 6. I dont think that it will be hard to fix your problem that you have with it. I wish you good luck with your new rude. But it is always good to have A backup!

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Ya..... if running right, that 115 would run circles around the Jonnyrude. But problem solved for now.<br /><br />-W

 

[technostingray]

Re: 1150 Spark control or what?

Hey Clams, great to see you are still dishing it out. Shakedown was a success and looking for more hints on improving performance. Maybe you could pick up anothe inline cheap. We now return you to our regulary scheduled thread....