1977 Mercury 70hp 2 Stroke outboard will crank but will not start

[josiahnunn]

I have an old motor that was used as a lake boat motor never saw saltwater and only ever had one owner, I just replaced the lower unit and the person that I purchased it from hit it pretty hard on some rocks, damaging the lower unit. He bought a new one and installed it incorrectly but it fired up but did not shift. I fixed the shifting problem but it will crank and not start. I have checked spark, gas, and air and I just don't know what else to do. Any input would be very very much appreciated.

 

[fastjeff]

Try some starting fluid (ether). That often cures stubborness.

Jeff

 

[josiahnunn]

Try some starting fluid (ether). That often cures stubborness.

Jeff

Have already tried that, Engine sped up but the fly wheel did not catch.

 

[faztbullet]

Dont use ether as it washes oil lube off cylinder walls..use 50:1 mix in spray bottle.

 

[josiahnunn]

So we actually found that out after using ether, and realized the mistake we made, we will try that, but at this point we have tried turning it over so many times that we are looking towards the ignition coils for whether or not they are giving out spark. But I will try that, thanks!

 

[faztbullet]

Look at starter/battery/cables as if not spinning fast enough spark will be weak. Spark must jump a min 3/8 open air gap