Steering noise and difficult start.

[hd1shrk]

Hello all,

Been reading through the post for a few days trying to do a little research. I have a 83 Mark Twain 169/BR with a 140 and a MerCarb 2bbl.

First question. Before and after carb rebuild, it was took a bit to start. Rebuilt the carb due to hesitation. Sunday I too the boat out for the first time after the rebuild. At first try it started fairly easy. Took it accross the lake to register it and came back and it didn't want to start. Took about a dozen tries to get her to start. Where should I start, choke, mess with the mixture more, or ignition?

Second question> When I turn the wheel there is a click before the drive moves. Is this the helm unit going bad? Or, is it just in need of adjustment? It has "Steering Master" on the back of the unit. Its not hard to turn, its just a little sloppy at slow speeds.

Any pointers are greatly appreciated

 

[Schmoe]

Re: Steering noise and difficult start.

Sounds like either too much fuel or not enough fuel getting into the carb. Can you see/smell the gas when your trying to restart? If you can smell it, then you might need to adjust the choke setting. Could be a bad coil or some other ignition part that is altering its function when it gets warm or hot? Did the engine get hot?

 

[hd1shrk]

Re: Steering noise and difficult start.

Thanks! May need to check the coil and replace points. Has anyone gone with the elcetronic ignition? It hasn't been hot that I am aware of.

 

[hd1shrk]

Re: Steering noise and difficult start.

OK, Bought this boat from a dealer earlier this year. Said it ran like a top last year. Got it out this year, didn't run very good. So far this is what I have done.

1. rebuilt the carb, last person who did it put it back together wrong.
2. fuel filter, looked like it might have been the original (1983)
3. plugs, wire, points/condenser, cap, and checked the coil
4. checked and reset the timing.

Now I am no mechanic but, how does the timing move? Chain starting to stretch?

So, hopefully this solves my hesitation too.

Thanks to all for this incredible information I used to get here.