1968 Merc Model 60 6.0 Hp Coil and Plug wire

engrkenr

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2017
Messages
24
I am at a loss and cannot find any reference how to detach the plug wire from the 398-2568A1 coil No mechanical release is apparent and I am afraid to just pull on it. Does some one know?
 

RCO

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
350
It unscrews from the coil. Be careful not to break the coil, those Phelon coils are spendy.
 

engrkenr

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2017
Messages
24
RCO, you are absolutely correct...the plug wire screws on to the coil. One would have to ask, why didn't the Merc service manual disclose that fact anywhere, at least that I could find?
 

Rodman738

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
40
I have the same motor!! They do unscrew! Goodluck
mine has good compression but really lack power?
 

Rodman738

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
40
I have the same motor!! The coils do unscrew! Goodluck
mine has good compression but really lacks power? Still a puzzle!!
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,164
Could be running on one cylinder could be a reed valve problem.----Start with a compression test.
 

engrkenr

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2017
Messages
24
Rodman738, perhaps this will help with your power problem. My '68 6 Hp Mdl 60 too had a power problem which I have chased for a very long time. After convincing myself it was a fuel problem, in the most disciplined methodical fashion, I completely changed or rebuilt every single piece of the fuel system, one at a time! After each repair, I realized my efforts had failed. I moved on to ignition. Spark plugs were not it either because I had spark but, the upper appeared weak. Running, the engine did not stall if I pulled the upper spark plug wire but did stall if I pulled the lower. Thinking it must be the points, I pulled the flywheel and adjusted the points precisely. After reassembly and retest, I realized I failed again. Disassembly, and this time I carefully filed the points. Reassembly and retest....failed again. It has to be the #1 coil or spark plug wire. Disassembly again and replaced both. Reassembly and retest....and failed again. Ready to drop the motor overboard in Lake Sinclair, I thought it simply can't possibly be the #1 condenser because they basically never go bad. Nevertheless, I went through the routine again and put back the original coil and spark wire but installed a new condenser which represented the very last possibly defective component. Reassembly and retest and to my shock and amazement, both cylinders were firing like normal. I hope this gives you some insight and inspiration....never give up!
 

Rodman738

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
40
Thanks for the info I haven't tried condensers yet I will give that a try. I have had mine apart so many times I think I could almost reassemble blindfolded!I had to back away from it for a while. Love these Old Mercs!!
 
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