1972 Merc. 800 trigger/Distributor ???

[Gomer50]

I took my boat to the lake to cruise around a bit and ran into a problem.The motor runs strong for 3/4 minutes and dies instantly (like somebody just turned off the ignition).So I checked for fuel all good no spark,so I checked voltage on the switchbox all good,coil Ohms out okay all thats left is the trigger/Distributor.So once again I hooked up the timing light,started cranking no spark.So out of frustration I tapped the distributor with a wrench(not the cap)I hear a light pop/snap like sound and she fires right up runs for 3/4 minutes and then the same again.Everything looks good inside the distributor.Is it time for another distributor/trigger???

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: 1972 Merc. 800 trigger/Distributor ???

The trigger inside the distrib is electronic and should not be affected by hitting it. Could be a bad wire from distrib to switchbox? These old Merc are notorious for poor wiring. Try moving each wire separately when its running and see if you can get it to quit.

Also, check the ground wire that runs from the distrib to the cowling.

 

[Gomer50]

Re: 1972 Merc. 800 trigger/Distributor ???

Inside the Distributor where the trigger is there is this brown filler not sure what to call it but I am pretty sure its to protect the electronics well on my other distributors the brown stuff is hard this on is all spongy and soft,When I had purchased this one used was wondering about this but it ran with a mis and the rpm's were about 200 to 300 lower.I dont know why but I have had a couple of bad Distributors.This motor has pretty much all new componets except distributor.Thanks for answering with the info,I will look at it one more time.