'70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Joined
Feb 3, 2007
Messages
1
Hi, I have a 77 Merc 115 L6 which has always run fine. 2 weeks ago after setting a year and a half in the yard, I cleaned it up, charged the battery and test started it. It started fine, ran fine. The next week, I get to the lake and drop her in and it cranks but won't start. Pull it home and begin to check the following: Spark on every cyl, about 1/2 inch jump. Fuel, pumps ok, carbs have gas. Compression, 130 everywhere except bottom, 100. Pull the center carb, just looking for maybe varnish, it looks good also. So if it ran a week ago, has gas, compression, and spark??? Now what?

Thanks in advance.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Howdy, Speedbump.

Welcome to iboats. :)

Go to Engine FAQs, do the troubleshooting in "Outboard won't start".

Let us know what you find.
 

Laddies

Banned
Joined
Sep 10, 2004
Messages
12,218
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Did you ck spark with the plugs in or out low voltage will cause that kind of problem with that vintage engine and won't show up with the plugs out always, also a dirty dist cap will cause it
 

timmathis

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Check everything one step at a time. Get a good spark and plenty fuel and you should be back in the ballgame. Good Luck and listen to Laddies and JB you are in good hands, Tim
 

Vlad D Impeller

Commander
Joined
Mar 30, 2005
Messages
2,644
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

This may sound silly, but have you overlooked the killswitch, as i once did?
 

timmathis

Lieutenant
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
1,295
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Cool post count Vlad D Impeller!!!

I't could something as simple as Vlad said. Recheck all wires from batterey to the motor. Then go from there, Tim
 

tashasdaddy

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Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

remember you have to almost flood them to start cold.
 

gungalunge

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
126
Re: '70's 115 Inline Won't Start

Same weird thing happened to me . it was a blockage in my fuel line . the pump bulb the thing you use to pump fuel out of the tank to the engine . it came apart and blocked the fuel to the engine . pull the hose apart and see if it came apart ..
 
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