1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

[Nugxz]

Hey guys,
I think i'm in over my head. Just bought a 1970 glasstrong with the aforementioned motor. The guy I was buying it from told me that the battery was dead and that's why he couldn't start it, but that it was up and running a week ago.
After getting it home and charging the battery, and setting up the ear muffs, the engine still won't start (anti-climatic much?), seems like there is not enough power getting to the motor (sounds like a vehicle trying to start in 30 below) and there seems to be gas leaking from the carb after priming. Being completely new to boating, where do i start? Hopefully the answer is not a new motor.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

To start with get a hold of the seller and tell him after charging the battery it won't start, doubt if he will care he knew the to start with and lied about the problem. Next clean all battery connections, then if it won't crank remove the plugs and make sure it will turn OK with a starter rope, while doing this check the engine for spark. If the engine turns OK and has spark get the starter rpaired and try to get it started if not get back to us.

 

[Nugxz]

Re: 1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

Ok I checked the battery terminals and they appear ok. One of the lines on the positive side had some electrical tape around it, after removing that, I see that the wire was spliced and a small (maybe 1/2" X 1" X 1/2") black box (maybe a fuse box?) is joining one of the power lines to the battery. Should that box be there or should i remove it and install a new terminal.
On to phase two.... sorry about the silly questions, but where do i attach a starter rope? directly to the flywheel on top of the engine maybe?

Thanks again, wasn't expecting such a quick reply

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

The engine leads should go directly to the battery, if you look at the flywheel you will find the grooves for the starter rope.

 

[dchristy56]

Re: 1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

The gas leaking may be caused by a sticking float. I have a 73 Merc 65hp engine and the float was sticking and when I squeezed the primer bulb gas was leaking out through a weep hole just below where the fuel line connects to the carburetor. It's designed such that if the float is not working or the seat of the fuel shut off valve is dirty and there is nothing to shut off the flow of fuel into the bowl of the carburetor, the excess fuel escapes through this weep hole.

 

[Nugxz]

Re: 1970 Merc 65hp thunderbolt starting troubles

Turns out that it was a wiring problem, motor is up and running
Thank you

...time for the next problem, new thread =P