What did I do and where should I start?

[Chilejeep]

So I picked up a boat with a 1967 Mercury 200 on it because little man wants to do more fishing. 1st time out ran awesome no problem. 2nd time out wife came with 200ft down the river it dies...seems like it was hotter than normal maybe? After the ordeal needless to say the wife will never go again...but I’d like to get this old Merchant going again if possible. I figure I’ll start with the plugs. What else should I be looking for or doing?

 

[flyingscott]

Do not spend a dime until you do a compression test. If that is good put a new waterpump impeller in and see if it runs.

 

[jimmbo]

Boating is often far less stressful and more enjoyable without the wife

 

[ThomW]

Was it pumping water when you took it out?

Did you check/replace the impeller before using it?

If it's not running now, like said above...start with compression, then check your spark, then fuel. I'd definitely replace impeller too if it hasn't been done in a bit.

 

[Chilejeep]

So I checked the compression cold since it cant get it to start. Both cylinders are right at 60 PSI which I’m guessing that on the low side. I’ve been looking around for a service manual, Any recommendations on a resource?

 

[flyingscott]

I would try a different gauge and if that reads the same replace the motor. And put a new waterpump in whatever you replace it with.

 

[Chilejeep]

Literally bought a new HF gauge fro this hopefully its correct. It being 2 stroke it can’t be that bad to rebuild can it?

 

[flyingscott]

Its a 1968 mercury 20 hp parts are hard to find. It is a blind bore motor, no head gasket and any money you stick into it will quickly exceed the Value of the motor. When you did the compression test did you take both plugs out and did you pull until the gauge stopped moving.