1978 80hp Merc wont start

[jtegidgo]

Need some advise. Checked timing, new plugs, and wires, cleaned carbs, rebuilt fuel pump, new fuel line and bulb, have spark at splugs, timing is correct as per Mercury manual. Engine popps and stalls on Saturday, Sunday can't even get it to pop. What should I do next? I checked float bowl settings, and I don't know what to do next.

 

[JB]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

Go to the Engine FAQs, JT.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jtegidgo]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

Followed the complete procedure. None of those conditions exist under ENGINE WONT START section. Should I go through the whole process of synch and timing with no signs of engine popping? Is there any way to check to see if my spark is sufficient?

 

[andy6374]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

Try a compression test. Spark and fuel don't help if you have bad compression

 

[jtegidgo]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

Have 120 across all four, but found the #4 cylinders coil arcing across to the housing this evening. Pretty healthy arc. Would this decrease the spark intensity across all four cylinders?? thanks for your replies I'm still learning here

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

JT, Spray some 50::1 fuel mix into the carbs and crank it. If it starts and dies, your carbs are either dry or dirty. If it doesn't start, you have no spark at the plugs. <br /><br />Also, make sure none of the plug wires or coils arc to ground, or the motor will never start.

 

[jtegidgo]

Re: 1978 80hp Merc wont start

Thanks will be replacing a coil tonight and will et you know if the old beast fires after 15 years.