smokey '70 Merc 200

[Fartnuckles]

I have a 1970 Merc 200 (redband)fitted with the Phelon magneto system. The problem I have with this motor is its' tendancy to belch copus amounts of blue smoke upon start up and for some considerable time afterwards - even at different throtle settings. The smoke will stop once the engine has warmed up. This engine was completely rebuild around a year ago and otherwise seems to run/idle perfectly except for the smoke! Prior to the rebuild, the engine hardy puffed any smoke at all. The timing has been tuned as per the Mercury service manual and the carburetor is set exactly by the book. I am running a 50:1 fuel ratio. Any help you could offer to identify the problem would be appreciated. The boys at the ramp are getting tired of my smoke screen.

 

[ob]

Re: smokey '70 Merc 200

Does the engine smoke only after it has sat idle (out of use) for several days,as would be indicative of fuel evaporating from carbs and leaving oil residual, or does it smoke after cooling off for a couple of hours until warm?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: smokey '70 Merc 200

Try a different brand of oil. All outboards are going to smoke a bit, some more than others. Some oils burn cleaner than others, too. <br /><br />Sometimes heavy smoking can be indicative of too rich a carb setting. With the motor idling in gear, try (slowly) turning the low-speed needle in until the motor sneezes or dies completely. Back the needle out 1/8 turn from that point. You might find it's just too rich...<br /><br />I've got several old 20s and all of them smoke a bit until they're warmed up.<br /><br />- Scott