Merc 3.0 Won't Run

[peterbrown77]

I picked up a used 3.0 kicker for my dinghy for free. I cannot get it to run, it will only pop occasionally.<br /><br />I've changed the plug, swapped out a known good electronics package (coil, exciter, etc) from a 2.2 Merc that has a bad head. It has good spark and while I haven't tested the compression with a gauge it 'feels' good. I took the carb apart and cleaned it and also swapped it out with a known good carb from a 2.2. Still, no joy.<br /><br />This is a pretty good looking motor, not all corroded around the cylinder head as they get when older. If only it would run!<br /><br />There is one thing though: if I pull the plug and clean it and put it back in it will generally pop on the first or second pull, and then nothing after that. The strange thing is that on the occasions when it does fire, the starter rope just stops dead in my hand like I've reached the end of the rope - but I haven't. I've never felt any of my three previous 2.2s do this. It almost feels like something is mechanically very screwed up. A bent crank? In an outboard? I've seen that on lawnmowers but I've not heard of it in an outboard.<br /><br />Any and all help is REALLY appreciated!

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Merc 3.0 Won't Run

Definetly sounds like your motor is 'out of time'<br />You've probably seen that the flywheel key is okay,and the flywheel nut is properly torqued ?<br /><br />Look at the magnet (s) on the flywheel.Have they loosened and moved ?<br /><br />Are we sure 3.0/2.2 parts are interchangeable ?<br /><br />OOPS any water in the gas ?<br /><br />DHP

 

[peterbrown77]

Re: Merc 3.0 Won't Run

I hadn't thought of the timing - kind of figured it was non-adjustable on such a simple engine as this.<br /><br />Drained all the gas and put in new. <br /><br />I'll pull the recoil assembly and see if maybe the flywheel's on wrong.

 

[peterbrown77]

Re: Merc 3.0 Won't Run

It was just the point setting... I've been using this engine for 5 years and it runs great.