Engine miss on 75HP Mariner 1988

lclarke

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2006
Messages
17
The engine runs fine up to about 4000 rpms, but when I give it gas, it misses. But sometimes it runs OK at higher speeds. I'm sure it's electrical, but I've replaced the fuel pump, installed a separate water separator and fuel filter, and run Seafoam through it several times. Pushing the choke when it misses doesn't help. The electronic ignition board has been replaced by a marine mechanic, and it seemed to run OK for a little while, but that could just be a coincidence since the problem is intermittent. The spark plugs have been replaced many times (normally use NGK, but have tried others). I read somewhere to spray water on the wires and electrical components when it's running to see if there are sparks to identify any shorts that are grounding out. I've tried everything I know to diagnose or repair. Any ideas from you folks that know a lot more than me? Thanks.
 

mercmafia

Cadet
Joined
Jun 21, 2010
Messages
26
Re: Engine miss on 75HP Mariner 1988

I would check the engine timing. It may be off a tooth or two
 

lclarke

Cadet
Joined
May 11, 2006
Messages
17
Re: Engine miss on 75HP Mariner 1988

SOLUTION:
After the marina installed a switch box on the motor last year for $350, it continued to miss intermittently. One very hot afternoon last month (100 degrees +), I took the boat out and it missed consistently -- so bad I barely got back. Using a timing light, I found all cylinders were misfiring. I replaced the voltage regulator (cost $100 online), and it finally runs like new -- after 2 years and an unnecessary $350 repair bill (not including the various things I had tried with the fuel system and several sets of plugs).
 
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