Progress with this Merc

[jhodge]

Bought my first boat back in Feb. It has a 1986 60 hp 3cyl engine. Seller said it was having fuel issues. Also needed the starter drive gear. Got the gear from iboats and got it on today. Did a compression test and all four cylinders were around 140 psi. Had spark on all three plugs, so seller seems to be right on. First I need a factory manual. Where do I go to order one?? Plan on putting the engine on a stand and going thru it, cleaning it up and checking junctions etc. What plan of attck is recommended, not knowing just how this engine has been cared for in the past?
One thing noted today is that the starter does not stay where its postioned and tightened to. It slides down (1/8 in) til the bottom touches. When bottomed out the starter gear just barely engages the flywheel, and is probably the reason the original gear was worn out. What's the solution for this starter position problem?
Have a good day, JH

 

[dblok4eva]

Re: Progress with this Merc

well first thing u want to do is clean your carbs, the jets could be clogged with old fuel and the next thing i would do is replace or rebuild the fuel pump like u said u have compression and spark just no fuel about the starter make sure all the bolts are tight that hold it of if they dont tightem your threads could be stripped if so get a tap set and re do the threads of get a helicoil

 

[Starppy]

Re: Progress with this Merc

First check to make sure the clamps holding the starter are OK. I second checking the bolts and threads.

If everything is tight, I would assume it is probably a third party replacement starter and the dimensions aren't exactly the same. You could try shimming the mount, but the starter needs to be held tightly or you will continue to have problems.

 

[jhodge]

Re: Progress with this Merc

When I get the engine on a stand I'll check the starter a bit more closely. I feel confident that the bolts are not stripped. I could remove the clamp and take a bit off the mating surface so tighter contact would be made. The area is sorta oily now and that might be a contributing factor. Even with all this, it seems that the starter should be setting on the base and at the same time the starter drive gear should be making good contact with the flywheel. Presently, when setting on the base only the top 1/8 th inch makes contact with the flywheel.(the area where the gears are beveled) Not good, in my view. Thanks for the replies. Do I go thru a dealer to get the factory repair manual?? JH