165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

frostywalrus81

frostywalrus81

Seaman
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May 5, 2009
Messages
74
I just bought a 1971 Mark Twain w/ a 165hp Mercruiser inline 6. I am having trouble getting it to start. It turns over but I think I have no spark. I'm wondering if it could be the coil or the distributer. So I guess what I am asking is if anyone has any thoughts of what it may be. I know I am getting gas upto the carb because I can smell it. But I also think that the carb is shot. I'm not sure where to get a replacement, but I have heard that they can be pretty expensive. This is my first boat and very excited about getting out on the water. I am pretty good at working on cars so that's why I got an inboard motor. Any help is appreciated. Thanks
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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Mar 5, 2006
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30,605
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Pull a plug wire off and test for the spark!

Have you ever started it? Do you know the condition of all the ignition components? Best thing to do is to do a complete tuneup and go from there.

Also...you have an inline 6...not a v6 as mentioned in the subject.
 
ziggy

ziggy

Admiral
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Jun 30, 2004
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7,473
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

have you done a minor tune up to it?
if not, do so and do set dwell and then timing.
do you have a service manual?
if not go to the adults only thread at the top of the i/o fourm and go to #9, you'll want manual #1. give it time to load, a large file.
you might also read the winterization and summerization threads. assuming you don't know where you stand with your new to you rig. these threads will have some good items in general to inspect.
if you end up needing a carb. you will likely be able to rebuild your 2gc. as carbs go, they are not very complex to disassemble ane reassemble.. or to set up to spec. either.. do elect. first though to rule that out.. and do a compressioin test to be sure ya something to work with..
 
frostywalrus81

frostywalrus81

Seaman
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Messages
74
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Ok I tested the coil, cap and rotor. They are all good. I still don't have spark. Is there anything else I can do.
 
Haut Medoc

Haut Medoc

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10,645
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

frostywalrus81 said:
Ok I tested the coil, cap and rotor. They are all good. I still don't have spark. Is there anything else I can do.
Click to expand...
Check your points for glazing...
Check to make sure you have at least 9v at the + tower on the coil with the key in the 'run' position....;)
 
frostywalrus81

frostywalrus81

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2009
Messages
74
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

I do, it is alittle high but it should still provide a spark. I just can't figure it out. HMMMMMM. :confused:
 
7

70Silverline

Cadet
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Apr 5, 2009
Messages
29
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

i have that exact motor and had exact same issue ok heres what i did take of distributor cap and turn key to ON position take a long flat head screwdriver place it between the points and the middle bronze stem from the middle of distributor WALLAAA should get spark if so then you know you got spark from the points the proper setting of the points on used points for this motor is .017 and new points is .019 better to set with dwell meter but your average feller gauge will work just fine if you get a spark and its a good spark and plenty of it REPLACE YOUR CAP thats what mine was a faulty cap had cracked causing multiple misfires and the cracks are hard to see hope this helps!! ALSO check that dang black wire from negative on coil to the distributor mine was FRIED 5 bucks at napa auto parts MAKE SURE TO GET MERCRUISER PARTS SOME NOT ALL are diffrent for GM however if your going to auto parts store use the 1971 CHEVY C 10 with 250 cubic inch for parts as far as carb i can get the number tommorow i have one its on the side with the electric choke but the carb is 275 dollars online everywhere!
 
bruceb58

bruceb58

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30,605
Re: 165hp Mercruise v6 HELP ME PLEASE!!!

Wow...that was tough to read! Was that two sentences in that big paragraph?
 
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