1999 merc 150 xr6 just shut down and failed to restart

nitro884

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
2
Ok first of all I dont know too much about outboard repair. but I am just hoping to save a few $$$ at the repair shop. <br /> Motor info: 1999 merc 150 xr6 serial # 0g886329<br />with a 4 blade 25p prop<br /> Boat info: 1999 nitro savage 884<br /> Problem: Last Sat I was running across the lake and I had just come off pad and was shutting down and The motor just shut off, Just like it would if you pulled the kill switch. I tried to restart it and it turned over but would not fire. I removed the cowling and every thing looked in place nothing was hot and no evidence of a problem. when I turn the motor over everything sounds fine it just will not start. I also made sure the kill switch was in place. today I made a more complete visual inspection I found no loose wiring from the ignition switch to the motor nor any under the cowling. <br /> I dont know if it relates but this motor has always hesitated while taking off but after a little hesitation it takes off and runs fine. Sometimes (especially when its hot outside) it does not idle very well. and its last little quirk is that it will often load up and die like its starving for fuel when driving onto the trailer.<br /> Like I said I am no marine mechanic but I do know my way around engines and mechanical devices. I am not sure whether this is something I want to tackle or not but I mainly just want to make sure I make out Ok at the boat shop and am not taken for a ride. I only say this because the place I bought my boat from has given me problems on service when I took it to them for warranty work and I will be taking to someone I have not delt with before. <br /> well thanks in advance for any suggestions and hopefully this will turn out to be something I can work on myself.<br />Bob
 

nospark1196

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2003
Messages
32
Re: 1999 merc 150 xr6 just shut down and failed to restart

The same thing happened to my '02 50 hp merc. I was WOT on my way back across the bay and it just shut off. It would turm over,but not fire. I traced it back to the voltage regulator/rectifier. I'm not sure if your problem is the voltage regulator/rectifier, but I would check that. Also, you should check for spark on all plugs. My wires were hot and the yellow wires coming off the voltage reg/rectifier were black at the connections. You need to trace back from the spark plugs then to the CDM's then to the stator. Purchase a Factory manual from merc. I ordered my manual from my local merc. dealer, it took 2 wks. Like I said, I'm not sure this is the problem, but I hope it gives you something to start with. Good luck, Nospark.
 

bryanredfish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
182
Re: 1999 merc 150 xr6 just shut down and failed to restart

I'd check your fuses on the motor. There should be a 20 amp fuse somewhere. Get a manual and find out where they are.
 

rabidfish

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 3, 2000
Messages
788
Re: 1999 merc 150 xr6 just shut down and failed to restart

Neither the fuses, nor the regulator rectifier will cause the engine to "shut off". You may have a loose ground wire on the ignition system, or possibly a loose fitting in the fuel system. <br />1) do you have spark? if so....<br />2) is it getting fuel? if you have spark... then make certain all the hoses are tightly clamped & there are no kinks in the hose. If you dont have spark, then see a "QUALIFIED" mercury technician. The part that is bad may not have been the root cause of the problem... Good Luck!
 

nitro884

Recruit
Joined
Aug 24, 2003
Messages
2
Re: 1999 merc 150 xr6 just shut down and failed to restart

Hey thanks guys I think I found the problem , today I found one of the terminals on the ignition switch was lose where it was riveted, after messing with it I got the boat to fire and run. The terminal that I found that was lose had three black wires attached to it so I am assuming this is a ground. Also I found out that what i think was the main ground wire to the engine was lodged between the bottom cowling and the bottom carb. the wire was smashed to about half of its original diameter. I dont think this wouldve caused my problem but it was after messing with this wire it fired the first time. that may have been a coincidence since I had the plate that holds my ign switch lose also and it may have moved the lose terminal. in any case i am going to replace the switch and go from there, Which hopefully solves my problem cause it will be alot cheaper than some of the other things i was thinking were wrong.<br /><br />Bob
 
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