Puzzled by Mercury Ignition problem

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Fordcruser

Cadet
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
10
I have a 1972 Mercury 200(20hp). I replaced all the engine wires as they were decayed. I set the points to .020. Checked the condenser and it was reading .5 micro farads(not sure if that is good or not?) Motor started and ran in a trash can for about 5 minutes, it was a thing of beauty. Before I could finish celebrating, it died. I have absolutely no spark on either cylinder. I have rechecked all the wiring, points, condenser, and kill switch. Is there a way to check the stator(I think the stator is the red sealed plastic plate under the flywheel) Wouldn't it be unusual for it to just drop out like that? I don't necessarily mind spending the money on a stator, if that is the real problem. :confused:
 
F

Fordcruser

Cadet
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
10
Re: Puzzled by Mercury Ignition problem

Thanks Trent, this page has good info, but not specific enough for my early motor. I'll keep trying.
 
J

jhreed

Seaman
Joined
Aug 24, 2002
Messages
66
Re: Puzzled by Mercury Ignition problem

F.C., This is coming from left field but... could it be that you're not re-charging the battery and it simply got too low? Check the voltage across the battery and see what it does when you're running the engine. Should be up around 14 to 15 volts. If only about 12 volts, then maybe the rectifier pack has opened/shorted on you... Good luck, Jim Reed
 
F

Fordcruser

Cadet
Joined
Mar 9, 2003
Messages
10
Re: Puzzled by Mercury Ignition problem

Thanks for the information. UPDATE: Thanks to all the good information found here, I have identified all the components in my ignition system. What I thought was the stator was the ignition module, which I should have known. I checked the points again and examined the plastic insulators. I saw definite signs of cracking...ok so I may have been over-zealous tightening down the point nuts. I also saw where at least on one block that arcing had been occuring, not sure about the other, but it's cracked as well. Question? Could this be my problem, and would it likely cause me to lose spark on both cylinders? I ordered new points and insulators just to be on the safe side, before I order more expensive components. If this turns out to be my problem, I will be angry with myself. What do you expect from a heat and air man.!?
 
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