1976 Merc 1150

[Crittr63]

Well I have a problem, I have a 76 1150 will not idle in gear, i have cleaned carbs and adjusted
compression is 124 - 126 across the board.
I pulled the distributor cap and there is a tree sap type substance oozing from the trigger area
is this old grease? and could it be affecting the trigger, this stuff is very hard to get out of the cap
any help please

 

[merc850]

Probably the potting compound that the electronics are protected by, some component is overheating and melting it, I removed the electronics from an old trigger and I had to use a propane torch to do so; something is wrong with the board. there are 2 bearings in there but they are greased. Take a mirror and look into it at the area around the wires. CDI sells new triggers.

 

[Crittr63]

I looked in the dist last night, it is packed with a gooey substance above the trigger plate looks like dried grease, tried to start engine now only runs with key in start position

 

[Chris1956]

There can be dripping of old grease in that area. Wipe it and smell it. Grease smells, well like grease.

However, the engine running only when key is in start position usually indicates a failed trigger.

 

[Chris1956]

CDI Electronics web page has a test for the ign system on your motor. They test everything but the trigger. If the test passes, it is likely a failed trigger.