Logo

Weird Problem Merc 1997 165 Marinised Chev Str 6

"Again, there just is not enou

"Again, there just is not enough info here for us to accurately diagnose via the forum, IMO.

When building an engine destine for a Closed System, we do not need the marine head gasket set. This is info that we do not have!
Do you know which head gasket set was used?

That being said...... there has been a suggestion to remove the Closed Cooling system.
I'd definitely not do this and definitely not convert to an Open System with the intent of going back to the closed system.
You are in salt water!
If an automotive head set has been used, there will be little chance at reversing the salt water effect on this gasket!
That is only one reason for not removing this system.
I'd also never recommend removing a thermostat!
Again, IMO here.
You also have an array of incorrect hoses on this engine. I'm not suggesting that this is part of a problem at this point, but I'd sure want to get rid of those corrugated hoses and reduce the amount of internal resistance.
Also, the H/E is non-conventional for this engine (at least not for a US 165 Mercruiser)...... which may explain these hoses. You may need to get creative with some automotive hoses.
None for the Closed Cooling system side will need to be suction capable..... but must be heat/pressure capable.
A good automotive parts supplier may have some that can be made to work.


At the risk of redundancy, I'd again suggest the P of E for you.
Very carefully and methodically go down your list and either eliminate or find the problem.

For example only:
The red button circuit breaker has been suggested. If this breaker were to loose continuity, your helm power would also be cut.
Is this the case?
(these must be manually re-set and do not normally re-set themselves)


Has anyone suggested the S/A?
This would be the "shift assist" that momentarily causes the ignition to falter in order to stumble engine RPM for a shift back into Neutral!
This is part of your shift cable linkage system at the engine. It can be a sensitive adjustment!
I fail to see this as being "Heat" related, but this too can/should become part of your P of E....... IMO.

Are you setting your mechanical ignition points via "gap" or "dwell"? Gap is an Estimate ONLY of proper "Dwell". I'd suggest setting these up using a dwell meter only! (see your OEM spces for this)
Again, this is part of your P of E.

Are you using the correct ignition coil?
I.E., Full 12 volt supply? Resisted supply? Internally resisted coil? Externally resisted coil?
Again, part of your P of E.


I appears that you have gone through your fuel system.
Anti-siphon valve, filter, hoses, filter at carburetor fuel inlet connection (if so equipped), fuel pump, etc.
BTW, any RACOR filter (or RACOR style filter) can not have the plastic bowl on it for a gasoline I/B.
These are for Diesel engines and/or gasoline O/B's only and must not be mounted in a gasoline engine bay! This can render you a citation from your Australian Sea Patrol.

Robert makes a good point re; the choke if yours is similar! Brian then explains how to check this!
Add this to your list!

I'd not concern myself with your "Coolant" supply and return ports that have been capped off. These are for supply/return for a cabin heater and/or WH (as mentioned). No need to join them or do anything but leave them as they are. They are very likely NOT part of your problem! IMO.



I too would give some strong consideration for exhaust/intake manifold pressure testing.
And I'd also want to examine the water ports of both the manifold and riser at the "Manifold-to-Riser" connection. These may not be related, but are sure good things to do as routine preventative maintenance items.

You'll find it! Just hang in there. And yes....... hopefully with any luck, it will be a $5 fix!"
 
You can chill the choke coil i

You can chill the choke coil in place with canned air used to clean dust off computers. It will allow you to watch the closing movement of the choke coil. A good coil will wind up fairly tight while a poor condition coil will not. Warm air will let you watch it open. As the bi-metal spring wears out it can be adjusted as others have stated. After a while it needs replaced.
 
"THANK YOU ALL -
I will work


"THANK YOU ALL -
I will work thro these recommendations one by one, especially thank you for your detailed explanations. Now I have a clearer picture of the 'Gremlin' hiding in the engine, I will keep you posted when I find the little %#@$%."
 
"Here is my boat, runs as desi

"Here is my boat, runs as designed no problems....Closed Cooling System...Everything 100% operational HOWEVER I think we would all agree we would rather be hanging out on Anthony's boat right now drinking beers motor running or not!!!We could all just grab a paddle and row our way home!!! Sure beats my boat right now.Outdrive buried up to transom in snow.Its 9 degrees F outside, I cant even feel my toes. Anthony I think we r all jelous of you right now!!! Hope you do get up and running though!!
FYI: The Front of my trailer under my boat jack sits a 3 foot tall cinder block just to give you an idea how deep the snow is!!
374864.jpg
"
 
"I had almost exactly the same

"I had almost exactly the same problem with my 165 inliner and it turned out to be the jet needle seat had back out (down in this case) and would not allow fuel to fill the bowl. It would eventually leak by the threads and fill, run a while and then starv out.

Eric<><"
 
My boat had kind of the same p

My boat had kind of the same problem and it turned out to be crud in the bottom of the gas tank. After about 20 min. that crud would get churned up and plug things up. I finally just pulled the tank out and cleaned it. Boat runs fine now.
 
Back
Top