Sluggish Merc

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blakec

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2000
Messages
8
I have a 65 HP Mercury taht runs just fine out of the water, it idles just fine but when I engage into gear I can only travel about 5 MPH. Now I know that a 65HP motor should push a boat faster than taht, especially since it is justa 17' Tri-hull Ouachita. Does anyone have any suggstions as to what the problem may be or what troubleshooting I could try?
 
corm

corm

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 12, 2000
Messages
1,241
Re: Sluggish Merc

Hi Blakec,<br />Check the compression.<br />Is it fireing all 3 sparkplugs(is it a 3 or 4 cyl.65hp?)<br />Does squeezing the primer bulb help?<br />Check to see if both carbs butterflies are opening up all the way.<br />...later...corm
 
B

blakec

Cadet
Joined
Aug 28, 2000
Messages
8
Re: Sluggish Merc

Corm, Thanks for the reply. I notice taht you seem to reply to alot of posts so you must be the man.<br /><br />It is a 4 cyl 65 HP. I believe that all 4 are firing ony because it runs fine out of the water. What is the best way to check that?<br /><br />It has two carbs and yes both of the butterflies are open.<br />Squeezing the bulb does not help either.<br /><br />What are common symtoms of a bad lower unit?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Blake
 
L

lake_time

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 20, 2000
Messages
75
Re: Sluggish Merc

on my bad lower the prop does not turn.. that always a clue!<br />Just kidding<br /><br />Dave
 
corm

corm

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 12, 2000
Messages
1,241
Re: Sluggish Merc

Hi Blakec,<br />lake_time-[on my bad lower the prop does not turn],very true.(sometimes
smile.gif
)<br />65HP-If your motor hase a aluminum distribiture with a red or blue or grey bottom then you have points in it. They close up and need to be reset to .010 to get any power out of it.Drop the dist with the 4<br />bolts on top of it. then take thr Dist Cop(with the wires comming out) carfully pry the rotor up & off. Then remove the 4 screws<br />that hold the cap support on and remove.<br />there are the points,condencer,and coil. Set the points and reassemble in reverse order.<br />See the flat spot on the splined shaft? Line<br />that up with a notch in the shaft houseing<br />and push up,put in bolts.Try it out and let<br />me know whats up.<br />...corm...
 
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