starting and idling issue

[jeffdjpeat]

I have a 1986 merc 60HP and lost the key this spring. I bought a new tumbler assembly and installed it in the throttle body assembly. I have fired the engine twice without issue, but today when i wanted to take it out and make sure everything was o.k, and it wouldnt start. So i brought it home, got it fired up with the throttle in a high rev position, but the motor was running rough, then the rectifier began to smoke. anyone with any idea where i went wrong would be helpful! did my wiring cause the rectifier to fry, and would a rectifier cause the engine to run rough? or maybe not run on all cylinders? it looked like there was a lot of un-burnt fuel and oil in the exhaust.

 

[verado7]

Re: starting and idling issue

first id recheck the switch wiring and once thats out of the way post back

 

[CharlieB]

Re: starting and idling issue

Which ignition switch did you buy?

The outboard ignition is a 'Ground-to-kill' in the OFF position connects the black (Ground) with the Black w/yellow trace.

Installing the wrong switch or incorrectly wiring such as connecting the Black w/yellow to 12 Volts will kill the ignition module in a very short time.

A bad rectifier can also create havoc with the ignition system, dis-connect the two yellow wires from the rectifier, tape them off seperately, then test for spark on each cyl.