Mercury outboard controls

[bigheaded5]

I recently bought a project boat and it has a mercury with merc controls on it. Its a 1980 80hp. Im used to Evenrude controls so....2 questions

1- there is a separate ON/OFF switch mounted on the boat....is this standard on merc controls or is it a Jury rig of the prev owner (i would like to get rid of it if it is)

2- there is a separate RUN/OFF toggle on the controls itself.... Im assuming thats for a lanyard? When its in RUN, the toggle is up under a cover so you cant shut it off without a screw driver to pull it down with....

on a side note.... 5 year old fuel in the tank AND hose (WTF) compression #1 150psi, #2 145psi, #3 145psi, #4 150psi.... BUT its not pumping water....replacing the pump in the AM....where the heck are the stats on this motor! Mercury stuffed so much into such a small spot.

 

[wired247]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

The run/off switch is for the lanyard. Slip the layard over the switch when in the down position and push it back up. If you pull the lanyard it kills the engine.

If you don't have a keyed switch to shut the motor off and start the engine you'll need something.


There are no stats on the motor.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

well the boat DOES have a key switch..... because it wasnt pumping water, I wouldnt let it run long enough to really give it the once over. But now that i think about it, it did NOT start till i turned the extra switch to the ON position, I already figured the LANYARD SWITCH had to be in the RUN position.....and I dont think turning the KEY SWITCH to the off position killed the motor, I think it just ran itself down to a stall. Is it common for merc controls to have an external ON/OFF switch when there is a KEY SWITCH there and working? It seems all the KEY SWITCH does is start and choke the motor.

there are 3 switches all together if this sounds confusing.
1- key switch (start and choke)
2- lanyard switch
3- external ON/OFF switch

 

[chum1]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

do you have pic?

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

I took a pic this morning.... is this the factory set up? I also want to ask about the throttle BUTTON! I assume you can not start the motor in gear, so accidentally throttling UP when its in drive instead of throttle mode would be impossible....assuming

 

[wired247]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

I thought you were talking about an extra switch somewhere else. That is a factory Mercury control set with the factory switches. He added the sticker but maybe he couldnt remember what he switch is for. . Switch it on and start the engine . Switch it off and it dies. The throttle button disengages the shifting mechanism. Push it in and you can work the throttle and start it without start it at high RPM in gear.

 

[bigheaded5]

Re: Mercury outboard controls

Thank you.... Im used to turning the motor off with the key.... I was curious. As for the throttle on the same handle as the transmission ill get used to it I guess.