Nickledimed
Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2009
- Messages
- 87
First off I would like to say, hello and welcome to the forum.
Now before we start digging into Troubleshooting I would like to say, get yourself a manual. (See the first post in this forum named Merc Manuals ***Sticky Please*** by CV16. If and when these links die do a search on this forum, there are allot of links, some still good, some not.
Now on to the next step.
There are some basic tools you will need. Remember, this is basic troubleshooting.
Inline Spark Tester found here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...sku=00914130000P&sid=IAx20090815x000001&aff=Y
or any auto parts shop.
Compression Gage Get the kind that threads into the spark plug threads, dont get the kind that has the
rubber boots, they are a pain and not very accurate.
How to check? See here:http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=391323
volt/ohm meter
Spray bottle with 50:1 fuel mix
Basic hand tools
IF anyone else can think of something, please chime in.
Now, I know allot of people, myself included has wracked their brians trying to figure out why their engine isn?t getting any spark to the plugs, and all it was was the kill switch, so check this first, this happens at the beginning of the season most, at least it does for me.
Now: If your motor is running rough or not at all the first and easiest thing to check is for spark getting to your Plugs.
Use the Inline Spark Tester, starting with the #1 cylinder, if you don?t know what your #1 cylinder is consult your manual. You should know what each cylinder is, they don?t always go in the order you would think.
Might as well check your spark plugs while your at it.
Do you get spark on all your cylinders?
If yes, check your Spark plugs, compression and your fuel system.
Go here for the correct procedure for checking Compression: http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/006867.html
If no: continue on.
There are 6 main components to the ignition system on a Mercury outboard.
1. Spark plugs, 2, 4, or 6
2. Switch Box, 1 or 2
3. Trigger
4. Stator, or distributer
5. Idle Stabilizer (Sometimes)
6. Rectifier
You can do a search on this forum on how to check each of these.
Note about the Switch box.
Not all switch boxes can be tested outside the marine shop.
Ill add more, and I?m sure the forum members will add to it, and they are more than welcome.
I felt that I had to start this because I see the same question asked over and over: engine running rough or not at all....
This topic might be good as a sticky.
I?m tired, I will add more later, or someone else can chime in here.
Now before we start digging into Troubleshooting I would like to say, get yourself a manual. (See the first post in this forum named Merc Manuals ***Sticky Please*** by CV16. If and when these links die do a search on this forum, there are allot of links, some still good, some not.
Now on to the next step.
There are some basic tools you will need. Remember, this is basic troubleshooting.
Inline Spark Tester found here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...sku=00914130000P&sid=IAx20090815x000001&aff=Y
or any auto parts shop.
Compression Gage Get the kind that threads into the spark plug threads, dont get the kind that has the
rubber boots, they are a pain and not very accurate.
How to check? See here:http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=391323
volt/ohm meter
Spray bottle with 50:1 fuel mix
Basic hand tools
IF anyone else can think of something, please chime in.
Now, I know allot of people, myself included has wracked their brians trying to figure out why their engine isn?t getting any spark to the plugs, and all it was was the kill switch, so check this first, this happens at the beginning of the season most, at least it does for me.
Now: If your motor is running rough or not at all the first and easiest thing to check is for spark getting to your Plugs.
Use the Inline Spark Tester, starting with the #1 cylinder, if you don?t know what your #1 cylinder is consult your manual. You should know what each cylinder is, they don?t always go in the order you would think.
Might as well check your spark plugs while your at it.
Do you get spark on all your cylinders?
If yes, check your Spark plugs, compression and your fuel system.
Go here for the correct procedure for checking Compression: http://www.outboardrepairs.com/topics/006867.html
If no: continue on.
There are 6 main components to the ignition system on a Mercury outboard.
1. Spark plugs, 2, 4, or 6
2. Switch Box, 1 or 2
3. Trigger
4. Stator, or distributer
5. Idle Stabilizer (Sometimes)
6. Rectifier
You can do a search on this forum on how to check each of these.
Note about the Switch box.
Not all switch boxes can be tested outside the marine shop.
Ill add more, and I?m sure the forum members will add to it, and they are more than welcome.
I felt that I had to start this because I see the same question asked over and over: engine running rough or not at all....
This topic might be good as a sticky.
I?m tired, I will add more later, or someone else can chime in here.