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  • Mercury Racing 12v / 24v Boat Wiring Diagram

    This is a basic wiring diagram for a Mercury Racing V6 2-stroke 2.0, 2.4, 2.5 Liter race outboard running a 12v ignition system along with 24 volts for faster trim and faster starting.

  • Mercury Racing 2.5 Liter Torque Specs

    These are the factory Mercury Racing 2.5 Liter Torque Specs for rebuilding a V6 2-stroke race outboard.

  • How to Check Compression, 2-Stroke Outboard

    To check the compression on a 2-stroke outboard, you can try these steps: Remove all spark plugs, clean, and dry the spark plug Screw in the compression tester finger tight, one cylinder at a time Ignition off, open the throttle to 100% Crank the engine about 4x, until the gauge stops increasing Record the reading Repeat for each cylinder Here are some tips for checking compression on an outboard engine: Warm the engine before doing the test Count the pulses when cranking Use the same amount of pulses for each cylinder A good compression reading for a 2-stroke engine is between 110 and 130 psi, as the color change from red to green indicates on the Buckshot Racing #77 Compression Gauge. The difference between the highest and lowest readings should be no more than 10%. Low compression can be caused by a leaking piston, piston ring, camshaft, head gasket, or valves. To test for this, you can add some oil to the cylinder. If compression is low, it's recommended not to run the engine. Pull the cylinder for further inspection. It could be time for a build before more damage is done by running the motor.

  • Mercury ​2.5 Liter​ 2-Stroke ​EFI Wiring Diagram

    This wiring harness color chart is for all 1991 to 2000 EFI "Laser" front-injected Mercury ​2.5 Liter​ 2-Strokes. ​Most of this fuel injection wiring diagram is common with other Mercury models with ECUs including the 2.4 Liter.

  • What Causes Detonation in a 2-Stroke Outboard?

    Detonation in a 2-cycle outboard engine resembles the “pinging” heard in an automobile engine. It can be otherwise described as a tin-like “rattling” or “plinking” sound but most of the time you can't hear it to due to the engine, wind, and water noises. Detonation is an explosion of an unburned portion of the fuel/air charge after the spark plug has fired. Detonation creates severe shock waves in the engine and these shock waves often find or create a weakness that can quickly destroy the top of a piston, cylinder head/gasket, piston rings or piston ring lands, piston pin, and roller bearings. A few of the most common causes of detonation in a marine 2-cycle outboard or jet boat powerhead are as follows: 1. Over-advanced ignition timing. This could happen simply by the top throttle arm or the linkage becoming loose and moving the timing adjustor. Or the timing advance box malfunctioning, all unsuspectedly. 2. Use of low-octane gasoline. The lower the octane the faster the fuel burns, and if the fuel burns before the piston has a chance to reach top dead center, it pounds the top of one or more pistons. 3. Propeller pitch too high (engine RPM below recommended maximum range). AKA lugging the motor. 4. Lean fuel mixture at or near wide-open throttle. 5. Wrong or bad spark plugs (heat range too hot, incorrect reach, gap, or cross-firing). 6. Inadequate engine cooling (deteriorated cooling system, or bad water pump). 7. Combustion chamber/piston deposits (result in higher compression ratio). There are other reasons for blown outboard motors, stuck or melted pistons, and broken rods; feel free to email STVracer @yahoo.com photos and we can help you identify what went wrong.

  • How to Test and Adjust your Mercury EFI TPS

    Your Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) TPS can be adjusted using a digital meter and our is available for sale on this site. Analog (needle) type may be used although it may be difficult to read the low voltage setting accurately with most meters. 1. Disconnect TPS from the EFI harness. 2. Connect digital using TPS Test Lead Assembly (a) (P/N 91-816085) between TPS connector (b) and EFI harness connector (c). Set voltmeter to 2 DC volts. 3. Disconnect the TAN/BLACK engine head temperature sensor leads located on the port cylinder head. 4. Turn the key to the “ON” position. 5. Loosen screws (1) securing TPS to manifold. 6. Rotate TPS fully clockwise (holding the throttle shaft in a closed position). Your voltmeter should read .200 - .300. If the readout is not within specifications, adjust TPS to obtain a readout of .240 - .260. 7. Tighten TPS screws to 20 lb. in. (2.0 N·m) holding the correct tolerance. 8. Disconnect the remote control cable from the throttle lever. 9. Slowly move the throttle lever to the full open position while monitoring the voltage reading. The voltage reading should increase and decrease smoothly. 10. Set the volt meter to 20 DC volts. Maximum voltage reading at full throttle is approximately 7.46 volts. 11. Remove the test leads and reconnect the TPS harness to the EFI harness. 12. Reconnect TAN/BLACK engine head temperature sensor leads located on the port cylinder head. NOTE: If the engine appears to run too rich or too lean, TPS can be readjusted. Decreasing voltage yields a leaner mixture. Increasing voltage yields a richer mixture.

  • How to Rebuild Mercury 2-Stroke V6 Fuel Pump?

    The mechanical fuel pump on 1976 to 2005 Mercury 135, 150, 175, 200, 225 HP 2-Stroke V6 outboards (Black Max 2.0 and 2.4 Liter and 2.5 Liters) is a crankcase-pressure-operated, diaphragm-type pump. Crankcase pulsating pressure (created by the up-and-down movement of the piston) is transferred to the fuel pump by way of a passage (hole) between the crankcase and the fuel pump. Some symptoms of a bad fuel pump or restricted (lean) fuel flow include: 1 - Loss of fuel pump pressure 2 - Loss of power 3 - High-speed surging 4 - Preignition/detonation (piston dome erosion) 5 - The outboard cuts out or hesitates upon acceleration 6 - Outboard runs rough 7 - Outboard quits and cannot be restarted 8 - Outboard will not start 9 - Vapor lock Remove, Clean, Inspect, Rebuild, Install: 1. Clean fuel pump housing, check valves, pulse chamber and pump base in solvent, and dry all but check valves with compressed air. 2. Inspect each check valve for splits, chips, and proper sealing against the pump housing. 3. Inspect boost springs for weakness or breakage. 4. Inspect the fuel pump housing, pulse chamber, and base for cracks or rough gasket surface and replace if any are found. 5. Inspect the fitting on the fuel pump housing for loosening or any signs of fuel or air leaks. Replace or tighten the fitting if a leak is found. 6. Insert new retainer from the rebuild kit through plastic disc and rubber check valve. 7. Install new check valves and retainers into the fuel pump body. 8. With the new retainer installed in the pump body, break the retainer rod from the retainer by bending sideways. 9. Install the new rod into the retainer cap and, use a small hammer and punch to tap the rod down into the retainer until flush with the top of the retainer. 10. Place the boost spring into the pump body and place the cap onto the boost spring. 11. Assemble the remainder of the components as shown and install retaining screws thru to align. 12. Install the rebuilt pump onto the powerhead. Torque to 55 Ib. in. (6.0 N·m). 13. Install hoses onto proper fittings and secure them with straps. 14. Make sure you run the engine and check for leaks before launching the boat.

  • How to Check Your Boat Starting Battery

    Here is a simple way to check the condition of a 12-volt outboard marine battery in your boat with a simple battery checker. The motor is off: 1. Connect the battery checker to the battery terminals. The red connector goes to the positive terminal and the black connector goes to the negative terminal. 2. The light that illuminates under the "battery condition" will indicate the battery's approximate voltage charge. 3. A fully charged and healthy battery should read 12.6V. A partially discharged battery that needs recharging would have a 12.1V to 12.5V level. The motor is running: 1. Connect the battery checker to the battery terminals. The red connector goes to the positive terminal and the black connector goes to the negative terminal. Make sure it is safe to run the motor. 2. The light that illuminates under the "charger output" will indicate the stator's approximate voltage charge. 3. A healthy charging system should read 13.2V to 14.5V. A charging system that may need attention might read under 13.1V or over 14.6V at idle. Please note, as a reference, a 12-volt lead acid battery will deliver about 12.7 volts when fully charged, but only about 11.6 volts at 20% capacity. Meanwhile, a lithium battery will deliver 13.6 volts when fully charged, and 12.9 volts at 20% capacity.

  • Mercury 2.0 and 2.5 Liter V6 Torque Specs (SST-120)

    These are the factory Mercury V6 Torque Specs for rebuilding a 1991-2005 2-stroke outboard. Block stamps could include AA, BB, CC, EE, F, FF, NN.

  • Outboard Drag Power-to-Weight Calculator

    Welcome to our free online Power-to-Weight Ratio Calculator! This tool helps you quickly calculate the power-to-weight ratio of your outboard drag boat and engine combination, which is a key factor in determining overall performance. The power-to-weight ratio is important for assessing the potential acceleration of your boat. How to Use the Calculator: Enter Engine Horsepower (HP) : Input the horsepower of your outboard engine. For example, if your engine is rated at 260 HP, enter "260." Enter Boat & Engine Weight (lbs) : Input the combined weight of your boat, engine, and any other relevant equipment. For instance, if your total weight is 1500 lbs, enter "1500." Calculate : Once you've entered the horsepower and weight, click the "Calculate Power-to-Weight Ratio" button. Result : The calculator will display the power-to-weight ratio, expressed as HP per pound (HP/lb). The higher the ratio, the more powerful your engine is compared to the weight of your boat. This easy-to-use tool will help you understand how well your boat will perform based on its power-to-weight ratio, giving you insights into its improving ET times.

  • Two-Stroke Tuners Handbook by Gordon Jennings

    Gordon Jennings' Two-Stroke Tuners Handbook  holds particular significance for outboard engine builders due to its detailed exploration of two-stroke engine tuning principles, many of which are directly applicable to optimizing outboard motors. Here’s why it’s important: Optimization of Performance : Outboard engines, especially those used in racing or high-performance applications, benefit greatly from the tuning techniques outlined in Jennings' handbook. Builders can apply his methods to improve power output, efficiency, and overall performance of two-stroke outboards. Porting and Cylinder Design : Jennings delves into the intricacies of port timing and cylinder head modifications, both of which are critical in maximizing the performance of two-stroke outboard engines. Builders can use this knowledge to fine-tune the engine's powerband, making it more suitable for specific marine applications. Exhaust System Tuning : The book provides a thorough analysis of expansion chambers and exhaust tuning, which are crucial for outboard engines that rely heavily on proper exhaust flow for performance. Jennings' insights help builders design or modify exhaust systems to achieve the desired power characteristics. Fuel and Carburetion Tuning : Outboard engines often operate in varying conditions, from idle to full throttle. Jennings’ guidance on carburetion and fuel tuning helps builders ensure that the engine runs optimally across all these conditions, enhancing reliability and performance on the water. Ignition Timing and Engine Reliability : Proper ignition timing is vital for the longevity and efficiency of outboard engines. Jennings’ handbook offers a detailed understanding of ignition dynamics, which builders can use to set up the engine for maximum performance without compromising reliability. Adaptability to Marine Environments : Although the book primarily focuses on land-based engines like motorcycles, the principles are adaptable to marine engines. Builders can translate the tuning techniques to address the specific challenges of operating in a marine environment, such as cooling and corrosion. Legacy and Knowledge Base : For many outboard engine builders, Jennings' book is a cornerstone of their technical library. It has inspired a deeper understanding of two-stroke engine dynamics, leading to innovations and improvements in outboard engine design and tuning over the years. Overall, Gordon Jennings' Two-Stroke Tuners Handbook  serves as a crucial resource for outboard engine builders seeking to enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of two-stroke outboard motors. Download the PDF of the original 1973 Two-Stroke Tuners Handbook by Gordon Jennings, Online for Free.

  • How to Precisely Measure Boat Propeller Pitch, without a Pitch Gauge?

    When using a digital inclinometer to measure the pitch of a boat propeller, the "Blade Angle × Constant" method is a straightforward approach used by the Buckshot Racing #77 Formula 1 Tunnel Boat Racing Team. The constant is typically related to the propeller's diameter and the point at which the measurement is taken, which in this case is at 75% of the radius. We've included a proprietary Buckshot Racing #77 Calculator Sheet to make these instructions below much simpler, but included the detail for those who want to take a deeper dive into the math. Tools You'll Need: Digital inclinometer Ruler or tape measure Calculator (Print the Buckshot Racing #77 Calculator Sheet) Steps to Calculate Pitch Using Blade Angle × Constant: Position the Propeller: Place the propeller on a flat, stable surface. Set the Measurement Point: Identify the point that is 75% of the way from the hub to the tip of the blade. This is done by measuring the propeller's radius (half of the diameter). For example, if the propeller diameter is 14 inches, the radius is 7 inches. 75% of this radius is 0.75 × 7 = 5.25 inches. Mark this point on the blade. Measure the Blade Angle: Place the digital inclinometer flat against the blade at the 75% radius mark. Read and record the blade angle shown on the digital inclinometer. Determine the Constant: The constant is derived from the diameter and the position at which the angle is measured. For simplicity, the constant can be approximated as: Constant=Propeller Diameter×π360∘\text{Constant} = \frac{\text{Propeller Diameter} \times \pi}{360^\circ} Constant=360∘Propeller Diameter×π​ This accounts for the propeller’s diameter and translates the angle into a linear distance. Calculate the Pitch: Use the formula: Pitch=Blade Angle×Constant\text{Pitch} = \text{Blade Angle} \times \text{Constant}Pitch=Blade Angle×Constant Substitute the angle and constant into the formula to calculate the pitch. Example Calculation: Propeller Diameter:  14 inches 75% of Radius:  5.25 inches Measured Blade Angle:  20 degrees Calculate the Constant: Constant=14×3.1416360=0.1223 inches per degree\text{Constant} = \frac{14 \times 3.1416}{360} = 0.1223 \text{ inches per degree}Constant=36014×3.1416​=0.1223 inches per degree Calculate the Pitch: Pitch=20∘×0.1223=2.446 inches\text{Pitch} = 20^\circ \times 0.1223 = 2.446 \text{ inches}Pitch=20∘×0.1223=2.446 inches The pitch of the propeller, based on these calculations, would be approximately 2.446 inches per revolution. Notes: Calibration:  Ensure that the inclinometer is properly zeroed before measuring. Average of Multiple Blades:  For accuracy, measure the blade angle at the same point on each blade and take the average. Blade Variations:  Account for any variations in the blade angles by averaging them if necessary. This method provides a simplified yet effective way to calculate the propeller pitch using a digital inclinometer. Download our Free how-to-measure-prop-pitch-calculator-sheet, kindly reference Buckshot Racing #77 when sharing.

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