Mercury L6 won't start

[tlewick1]

My Mercury 1150 won't start. I ran a spark test. I'm getting spark, but some cylinders don't show a consistent spark. I'm considering taking apart the distributor and cleaning the contact points, thinking that altough I'm getting spark, it's not strong enough to ignite. Any suggestions before I tear it apart?

 

[Chris1956]

Depending on the year, it probably doesn't have points. The rotor is likely not removeable and fragile.

You might tell us the year, so we can help more.

 

[tlewick1]

It's between 1976-1978. The engine was submerged in a flood, filled with silt, and seized. I did an overhaul on the powerhead and also put in new check valves and diaphragm on the fuel pump. Eventually, I got it to start, but it would stall.

More than likely, there's dirt and rust in the distributor-- which is why I want to clean it.

I'm going to replace the float valves in the carbs because they seemed sticky and I'm not confident they're shutting off.

Also, I didn't realize until after I reassembled the powerhead that there were supposed to be bleed restrictors. Because I'm having trouble running it in idle, I'm thinking it'd be a good idea to put them in-- although why do they fall out in the first place? I wonder.

 

[Chris1956]

I would not worry about the bleed restrictors. They help a small amount, IMO.

That motor will have battery powered CDI ignition. The Dist cap is about $100 to replace, if you can find one. Clean it up with water and solvent if necessary. Polish the brass connectors...not too much.

Ditto on the rotor. just polish the brass a bit. Be careful not to break it.

The carbs should get a through cleaning, new inlet needles and floats, plus new gaskets.

 

[tlewick1]

Thanks for the advice!