2001 Mercury 6 hp 4 Stroke Won't Start

[JDusza]

Hi. Hope you're well.
I have a single cylinder 4 stroke 6 hp that won't even cough. Model ME6M 4ST, serial 0R019810.
Compression at 65 psi. Spark jumps 1/4 to 3/8 inch air gap. Fuel spit right into cylinder.
Can pull all day and get nothing. It's such a simple engine. Would timing have gone astray?
Thank you,
J

 

[JDusza]

Excitingly, I received another one of these engines yesterday!
5 hp version with capability to run off internal or external fuel tank; model 1FX5201HK, serial 0R433254.
Same initial symptom. Compression at 60. Has spark. Fake the fuel delivery. Just won't ignite fuel. Not even a cough.
What is my fate? Is there a Little Merc 4 stroke issue out there? Am I building a bone pile?
I received a comment off the 6 hp via the owner that another mechanic said there was "too much oil in the sump and the engine has been destroyed". What would be "destroyed"? Wouldn't a compression test catch this?
Frustrating because at first glance the engines appear to be in great shape. Everything looks factory. Nothing is out of place. If something was "destroyed" (rings ?), couldn't it be repaired? There are way too many good parts here to junk.
Looks like I'll be pulling a flywheel to look at timing.
Thanks,
J

 

[JDusza]

Just went to school.
Found the ignition coil putting out great spark. Jumps a 3/8" air gap. Then attached the spark plug, grounded it to the engine block and observed there is NO spark. The plug is flat out bad. NGK. Replaced with Champion. Fired right up.
Found the SAME THING with the 5 hp on the other side of my driveway. Great energy from the coil, crap performance from the plug, NGK again.
I have seen this on a neighbor's Nissan 9.8 and was holding it in my memory as a one off. I see now that the small 4 strokes must eat spark plugs, generally speaking, perhaps with a select palate for NGKs. We'll see what the Champions can do.
Why another mechanic said the 6 was destroyed, I don't know.
Thanks for listening,
J