Please help.. 87 mercury classic 50 45hp

[Spillman1979]

Ok, help guys. My son and I was out on Lake first time this year, all seemed ok then the engine started having an issue. Starts fine, but no power when it's in gear, sometimes it will take off after just seems like an idle. It revs up ok when not in gear, I did change water pump a week ago. Any help?

 

[Spillman1979]

Any ideas?

 

[flyingscott]

Do a cylinder drop test and compression test sounds like a cyl or two not working

 

[Spillman1979]

I did a compression test, everything looks acceptable. What is a drop test? I'm not sure why it will take gas without a load, it was running ok but seemed to just quiy.

 

[flyingscott]

What is acceptable compression. All motors will rev with no load on them no work to do. One of the most useless tests that can be done on an outboard is revving it in neutral, bad for the motor will teach you nothing. A cylinder drop test is get a plastic pliers and start the motor. Pull the spark plug wires off one at a time if the idle changes that cylinder is working if no change the cylinder is not working. You can also get a spark tester to make sure the spark can jump a gap of 7/16".

 

[Spillman1979]

Ok, I will check this tonight. Could it be a possible fuel problem maybe? I was also think the stator or switchbox but just brain storming.