History,<br /><br />You helped me figure out that I needed a new switchbox, and internal wire harness for my boat. 1969 80HP Merc. 800 Thunderbolt ign. Ser# 288147.<br /><br />Thanks to you, I now have a good strong spark. License was expired, so I couldn't put it in the water to run it, and didn't own (ear) muffs.<br /><br />I went to the lake the next weekend to test run it, muffs in hand, new boat license, full tank of new gas.<br /> <br />I squeezed the bulb, and felt it go soft....... broken fuel line. Replaced all the hoses ( just in case) that I had to get custom made at a local company ( cost way too much, but still less than ordering from Mercury)<br /><br />Went up last night, changed the fuel filters ( since the lines were off, and they were really easy to get to, I figured it would be a good time. Old ones looked as good as new, but changed them and the gaskets anyway.<br /><br />Finally, squeezed the ball, good pressure. Turned it over......... would not start. Gave it a shot of starting fluid ( I know its not a good thing, I was just testing to see if it was that the carbs needed rebuilt.) Turned it over again, and it didn't sputter until I stopped turning it over, every time I let go of the key, I would get one backfire out of the exhaust.<br /><br />Is there a chance that the timing got changed that much, just by changing the switchbox? I still have a good spark, and it sure smells like its getting gas....... sniffing the cylinders and plugs.<br /><br />Any ideas before I get a shotgun, and put several big holes in the side of my ( getting very expensive now) motor?<br /><br />Got home late last night, wife asked if it worked, I told her no.......she rolled over and said...." I told you to sell it"<br /><br />Any ideas would be helpful. If I don't get it fixed pretty soon, I'll have to go back to my little rowboat for fishing.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Bob
