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tune up Model 40

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Gary Galleher

New member
Hey ya'll, new guy. Question, I have a 1971 Mercury Model 40, 4 hp, single. 33166176. I am looking for a condenser, When I look at the parts diagrams I see no condenser anywhere for this engine. What am I missing? Does this motor possibly NOT have a condenser?
 
It's what is called a "maker point" ignition system. The points actually fire when they are closed and not open like a typical point ignition system. It's very unique
 
fitz73222 said:
It's what is called a "maker point" ignition system. The points actually fire when they are closed and not open like a typical point ignition system. It's very unique
Click to expand...
OK, worked on M/C many years and not a system I've heard of...(not used I don't think)....so then there is no need of a condenser.....I was scanning all the parts diagrams for the 4 hp models they offer and was starting to think it was a model unto itself in certain ways that I couldn't get a handle on....I bought it non-running...corroded wires/stator etc...took my time found all NOS items to refurbish....I've seen these little motors perform and it is pretty impressive for a 50 year old motor. Thanks for the info...I've got a little research to do re: Maker Points"...should have this running soon! Thanks again. Gary Galleher Pleasant Hill Lake, Perrysville, Ohio
 
Where is the condenser? Been awhile since I've worked on one. Got about 5 of these little single Mercs here. That schematic certainly shows one. Do you have good spark?
 
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It's a giant, ugly thing hung on the port rear side.


The plastic points blocks is often what goes on these Several hundred volts go through the points and any little crack in the blocks kills them.

Jeff
 
now another member says they used a Phase Maker system that fires the plug when the points CLOSE...and does NOT use a condenser....along with several other Mercury models.
 
what schematic do you speak of? There are several 4 hp models that DO show a condenser, and as I said the Parts pages here for the Model 40 DO NOT show a condenser, and as another member said it is a system that does NOT use a condenser...Phase Maker Ignition is what it is called, basically a CDI ignotion that uses the CLOSING of the points instead of a trigger coil.
 
Thank you! Research reveals that indeed this points system is different...uses the points CLOSING as a "trigger" to a CDI type system,,,an early attempt at electronic ignition that uses the points instead of the secondary coil trigger we have come to know.....I mentioned to another member that I worked on M/C, ATV, scooters of all brands and types during the years OEs switched from points to electronic ignition and NEVER saw a Phase Maker ignition, so I'm not surprised the average motor owner does not know about this attempt at "CDI" ignition. Thanks ! You hit the Bullseye for me...I'll let my shop know and hopefully I get this little guy going again after many years down. Thanks!
 
thanks for the tip, I'm going to the shop today to share the new info and I'll be sure to have that inspected....these motors don't use a condenser, the points are used as a "trigger" for CDI type ignition instead of a secondary coil type trigger we know now.
 
Thanks...but THIS diagram is outside my vin range..#3166176 9 (as I mentioned in my post). I have seen this page and as I said...many 4 hp models by Mecury and MY Model 40 #3166176 does NOT use a condenser because it uses points CLOSING as a trigger to a CDI type electronic ignition and does NOT use this condenser....NO CONDENSER in this type system, and Mercury put it in several of their models....mystery solved, Thanks for taking the time to look into it though... Thanks. GG.
 
Thanks everyone! Got the answer and if anyone has this type ignition system it will be good to read the posts, Have discovered these models and others Mercury made had an Ignition System called "Phase Maker"...uses the CLOSING of the points as the electronic "trigger" instead of a secondary coil we have come to know, and DOES NOT use a condenser. Thanks for all the reply on this topic, Got it covered now. Big Thanks. GG.
 
That schematic is not your motor then. Merc was playing with high energy ignition fairly early. Some were problematic. The ignition systems can be swapped around between years here. Don't be screwed by an expensive repair bill to repair it. Many times, as Jeff stated, the plastic points base will crack, allowing energy to escape to ground......simple fix. I have even made a little sleeve to go through and repair the problem. Jeff probably has too. Try Tim's Outboard in Hackensack MN 218 682 2331 if you need parts and also if you want to convert to a better ignition setup. Just have your serial # handy for Teresa, Mike, or Dan.
 
I have a water recovery that was down for a year....deep water....30 feet. Wasn't froze up. Cleaned, oiled, got it turning over right when it hit the open air......great spark! Never even had to TOUCH the ignition. YES.....TRUE STORY. MERC CAN BE GOOD AND BAD.
 
Right, me too. Common problem with these is a rusty driveshaft and upper seal leak allowing destruction of lower unit from water and rust.
 
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