Engine doesn't always shut off

[blueskies401]

I have an 65 HP Mercury outboard (1976). Sometimes the motor will not shut off when I turn the switch, but sometimes it does. From reading other posts I am pretty sure I will need to check the ignition and look for a loose ground or possibly replace the ignition. Here is my question:<br /><br />I have plans to take some friends out fishing tonight and tomorrow and I probably won't have time to "look into replacing" the ignition until next week. What can I do to kill the motor while I am out this weekend (other than unhook the gas line)??<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Chuck

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Engine doesn't always shut off

apply the choke?

 

[blueskies401]

Re: Engine doesn't always shut off

I tried that last night, but it still ran for about 30 seconds before it finally sputtered out. This is crazy, most guys are complaining that they can't get there motor started or it isn't running good...mine runs so good it doesn't want to quit. <br /><br />I guess I am looking for a "quicker" shut down than just letting the engine run out of gas when I unhook the gas line.<br /><br />Thanks for the "choke" suggestion. Any others??

 

[12Footer]

Re: Engine doesn't always shut off

LOL. I see your delema. The orange wire in the wire harness plug leaving your engine, is grounded to kill the ignition. Check the ignition switch,as it probably has intermittent contact in "OFF" position.<br />Also, does it run hot? Can you place a finger on the side of the block without getting burned?<br />It should be no hotter than a cup of coffee.<br />Any hotter, and it's probably cylinder heat that is keeping it runing....Mucho bad,. as it wont run very long like this.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Engine doesn't always shut off

Not to make this any more complicated than it needs to be but it sounds like your choke doesn't work very well because a properly operating choke would kill a properly operating motor pretty quick.