Mercury 60hp 3 cylinder won't start

[Grobichaud]

I picked up a boat with a Mercury 60hp engine from around 1983. I connected a battery, changed the spark plugs and put oil through to the flywheel. I got get the flywheel spinning but the engine won't start. It uses a side control throttle console and I see a socket with wires connected to the ignition but nothing in it. I get a spark from the plugs it just won't seem to start. It there something that is supposed to be in the socket by the ignition in order for the boat to start?

 

[Mark ofs]

By the photo, that appears to be the front of the controller...from what I have read/seen this is where you can plug in a tach if you need it for adjusting timing. Otherwise, not needed for operating the outboard.

 

[Grobichaud]

Just trying to figure out where I should look next then. I am getting sparks, the bendix gear engages the flywheel and there's new fuel and oil, but it won't turn over.

 

[Texasmark]

Engine needs to spin at about 200 rpm (preferred) to start.....weak battery/corroded battery connections on both ends can inhibit that.

Socket next to key is a wonder...pic would help. May just be a 12v accessory terminal.

Assume you have a key switch on/adjacent to your remote controls.

Some mounts have a safety switch for a lanyard the helmsperson attaches to their person in the event they fall overboard, it kills the ignition if activated.

Don't know what oiling the flywheel means.

Adequate choking is usually required to light off an engine that hasn't been run recently...like maybe a couple of hours ago.