merc 1500 timing ordeal?

[FORREST3]

Hey great site! I have a merc 1500 1975 that ran great, sat for a year, now runs out of water with muffs, but in water no power, I have checked compression ( 120 +or- 5) checked full pressure (5.5) checked spark, looks o/k, now for the timing issue (have manual) I checked the timing belt, the arrow on the distr. gear lines up with the "3 vert. dots on the flywheel( o/k) the timing pointer at top dead center lines up with the mark on the flywheel at top dead center(O/K? didnt do the .464 thing and I seriously doubt the flywheel slipped or pointer moved by itself) Im trying to go thru the timing procedure, the first set-up is the primary pick-up adjustment(4-6 degrees) Using a timing light,I cant get it to go to that mark, the best it will do is 10 deg. or higher before the engine stalls at about 900 rpm, I know all the timing issues on the distr. is off cause I tried to adjust on the lake (without the book) when this first happened, I am turning the distr. by hand( have the throttle cable disconnected) to adjust the the timing( actuater plate / the primary pick-up adjustment) this is the first adjustment for the distr. timing so Im at my wits end!!! any help??? Im very proficient in engine work, have an auto repair and body shop, I havent hired anyone to work on any of my cars or trucks tractors ect.. ever, and I would really like to figure this out for myself if possible, thanx but this has got me whipped!!

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

Here is where we run into a problem. If you cannot idle the engine down to the proper timing and idle speed. It is quite possible that the engine seals are no longer working properly.<br /><br />Try running the engine with double oil...or spray some oil into the carbs. See if you can then lower the idle speed and back the timing off.<br /><br />If you can..you will know the seals are bad.<br /><br />TMD

 

[FORREST3]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

I just also noted that my cranking rpm is 550 to 600, this cant be correct, so Im assuming that my tach is off? so maybe the idle rpm is o/k, any suggestions? thanx

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

I sent a couple emails back.<br /><br />TMD

 

[sorrydog]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

If you've had the dist off then I would re-figure TDC.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

hello<br /> before you get to bogged down with timing issues have you pulled the car4bs? after sitting for a year they should be gunky.<br /> rebuild the pumps judt cause you can and replace thge water pump with a new kit.then carefully follow the manual the .464 thing and all. yes its a bit of a problem but once you start messing with merc timing and loosening screws you must go back and rest everything. the .464 is a figure that merc did to line up the dots for timing at WOT.too many people jump all over TIMING and never stop to think that it is all mechanical and once set unless something breaks cannot JUMP or move. most problems on that motor were fuel and cooling. trigger problems were nasty to solve <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

Something can jump and does jump...the timing belt and left unchecked can ruin an engine.<br /><br />TMD

 

[FORREST3]

Re: merc 1500 timing ordeal?

thanx for all the replies!, I just about got it all set and guess what, the waterpump went!! I was exited that it was running right and getting ready to go out and the **** hole stopped flowing( oh well),still have to get it on the lake once I get that fixed, ordered some parts from this site, great place!!!, will let youall know!