Strange Ignition Problem Merc '69 1250

[holcomb]

Engine cranks but dies as soon as starter is released.Does not seem to be the switch.Hot wire from switch is still hot at engine.Can turn key on then go back & start engine at solenoid & it does the same thing.Engine starts & runs til you release solenoid.Very strange.Need help.Thanks for all help so far,but nothing has worked yet.

 

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Re: Strange Ignition Problem Merc '69 1250

I suspect a bad ignition switch. Disconnect the orange wire, and try it. Understand, that you can't kill the engine if this wire is diconnected, so you'll have to choke it, or diconnect the fuel if the orange wire isn't grounded (how it shuts-down).

 

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Re: Strange Ignition Problem Merc '69 1250

Also, my book doesn't go back that far, so I can't recall if there is a big, fat ceramic resistor at the distributor, but if there is, chances are it is open. <br />Check with an ohmeter, and replace it, if it is.<br />A jumper across it's terminals can also tell you, but do not run it for any length of time with it jumpered,as it can cook the coil or worse.