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Outboard Motor Forums (by brand) => Mercury/Mariner Outboards => Topic started by: bassfan73 on April 18, 2015, 07:13:46 PM

Title: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: bassfan73 on April 18, 2015, 07:13:46 PM

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to see if anyone might have some suggestions/ideas on my situation. This is my first boat and just logging my first experiences with diagnosing and fixing issues. I usually do my own work on my vehicles but this is new territory for me.

I recently rebuilt the carbs on the motor because gas was basically pouring out of them when i attempted to start the engine. Before that happened the boat was having problems starting but would eventually fire up.

Well now the carbs are all done and installed but I can't get the engine to go. I'm pretty sure fuel is getting to the carbs. Which would take care of the fuel part of the equation. So I'm thinking I need to check fire, but where to start? I'm trying to read up on where to start trouble shooting but just getting confused with the info online. Thought I would check for suggestions here.

Here is a video of what is going on ---> https://youtu.be/aE_kBeEm89M

Title: Re: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: ranger361v on April 18, 2015, 08:53:01 PM

Yep check to see if it is getting spark and go from there. Make sure you are getting fuel also.
Obviously you know where to begin. Just get too it. (y)

Title: Re: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: bassfan73 on April 18, 2015, 08:55:49 PM

What's the best way to make sure it's getting spark?


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Title: Re: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: ranger361v on April 18, 2015, 09:03:45 PM

Put a phillips head screwdriver in the spark plug cable after you pull it off the plug and hold the screwdriver by the handle and the steel of the screwdriver close to a bolt on the motor and have someone turn the motor over just for a second and see if it sparks.

Be careful moving parts and shock hazard. If you feel iffy about doing this you better take it somewhere.
Good luck...

Title: Re: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: bassfan73 on April 18, 2015, 10:12:04 PM

I hear ya. Thanks for the info.

Title: Re: 1988 Mercury 115
Post by: Curt on April 19, 2015, 09:52:16 AM

Don't overlook the obvious. Is the kill switch lanyard in place?

Definitely sounds like there is no spark, or a complete absence of fuel. Not even a hint of firing.

Definitely try what @ranger361v suggested with the screwdrive, but don't touch the screwdriver shaft!

And be sure to hold the screwdriver far enough away from the engine block to allow you to see a spark if there is any, not touching the block.