Died Under Full Power

[pd189]

I finally got my 1973 Mercury 850 outboard running. It starts rough, but once it is running it was doing great. I was cruising across the lake under full power and the motor died..., it didn't slow or sputter, it just cut off. It will turn just fine and the carbs are filling with gas.., any ideas; I was thinking something electrical

 

[jason1150]

Re: Died Under Full Power

try checking for spark, J

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Died Under Full Power

A 1973 Merc 850 has a battery CDI ignition system. The switchbox must have +12V on the red and white wires on the starboard side of the motor for it to have spark. Also, the blue mercury switch can kill the spark. You might disconnect it.

 

[pd189]

Re: Died Under Full Power

Thanks folks. There was no spark and it turned out to be the trigger, it has been replaced and it is back up and running at full power!!