1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

[Apopka Plumber]

Hey guys,
Help! my merc will not develope over 4500 rpms at full throttle. This motor is on it's 4th stator
including the original.2 in one year!First of all I could not find the website that was mentioned
to walk me through testing the electrical components on this motor.My mechanic is the one that said the stator was the weak link of this motor! Now it does run real good after it is replaced but I
am having a real hard time with his answer, I don't appreciate being blown off!! So now this plumber is going to become his own boat mechanic. Help!

Apopka, Plumber

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Does your tachometer work? Does your battery charge?

Does the bad stator show signs of being struck (touched) by flywheel magnets?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Does your motor have an idle stabilizer module wired into the ignition modules? If so, it is safe to remove it.

When was the last time the carbs, fuel pump, hoses, cleaned, rebuilt, replaced.

Is it safe to assume that you have already tried squeezing the primer bulb while at WOT and no improvement in running?

Then it is time to invest in a DVA Meter, download the FREE Ignition Troubleshooting Guide from CDIElectronics.com

Follow the clear directions to test each component of your ignition.

Test, test and retest to be sure before ordering any more NON-returnable electrical parts.

 

[Dukedog]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Then it is time to invest in a DVA Meter, download the FREE Ignition Troubleshooting Guide from CDIElectronics.com

Follow the clear directions to test each component of your ignition.

Test, test and retest to be sure before ordering any more NON-returnable electrical parts.

Absolutly.........
Regulator, rectifier and flywheel might be suspect along with ALL grounds. Stator is NOT a weak link. No more so than any other electrical part.......

 

[Apopka Plumber]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Another point of information; I had the boat on plane 50mph 5000rpms, it shutdownseveral cylanders and came off plane immediatly, still running but would only produce about 2500rpms and basically would only idle. Where
would you recommend picking up a DVA meter? Doesn't sound like anything
related to plumbing.Just kidding! I believe with a little help from guys like yourself I'll solve this puppy and be back on the lake soon!I hate having to fish out of someone elses boat! I don't mind it if mine is running and I have a choice!
Thanks Guys!

Apopka Plumber

 

[j_martin]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Another point of information; I had the boat on plane 50mph 5000rpms, it shutdownseveral cylanders and came off plane immediatly, still running but would only produce about 2500rpms and basically would only idle. Where
would you recommend picking up a DVA meter? Doesn't sound like anything
related to plumbing.Just kidding! I believe with a little help from guys like yourself I'll solve this puppy and be back on the lake soon!I hate having to fish out of someone elses boat! I don't mind it if mine is running and I have a choice!
Thanks Guys!

Apopka Plumber

That's the point a high speed charge coil (stator) failed.
I asked some questions. The answers will help. The stator is not particularly weak, but it can be abused. When it repeatedly fails, there's usually something else going on.

 

[85stratosman]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

Hey man I have the same motor and had the very same problem. I rebuilt all the carbs rebuilt the fuel pump, put new plugs in, new primer bulb and inline filters after the bulb and after the fuel pump. She would jump up and run like a scalded dog for about fifteen seconds the fall on her face. Come to find out it was a fuel issue, the fuel tank breather tube was not hooked up and the pick up tube in the tank had holes in it and the filter was cloged. I put a little six gallon tank in her and she ran great very fast little motors may I add. So I put a new pick up tube and filter in the tank and fresh gas and oil mix and she is running like a charm. Just a thaught to check before you spend more money on all these electric components.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: 1987 Mercury xr2 150hp-ignition probs.

It is possible that your ignition is fine.

As a Plumber you understand GPH flow

At idle your motor uses very little fuel, low flow, but in order to make a LOT of power at speed, it takes at LOT more fuel flow, as in GPH.

ANY restriction in the fuel system, or any air leaking INTO the fuel system on the suction side reduces max flow and the engine RPM becomes limited, the upper carbs run out of fuel and the motor runs rough.

Continued operation of a motor running LEAN on fuel WILL CAUSE DAMAGE.

Pull the lanyard to kill the engine, disconnect the fuel line from a carb and stick it into a suitable container. Have a helper crank the motor while you observe the fuel flow, it should be a STRONG pulsed flow the i.d. of the hose, with NO air bubbles.

Anything less and start inspecting fitting for restrictions/air leaks. Rebuild the fuel pump if needed.