Mercury 18XD 1984? 1987? ser. OA 106962

by James Gibson
(Orangeburg, S.C.)

all signs point to a powerhead swap while in shop to sell. Have 125/120 compression, coils and trigger from known running engine, new stator, new switchbox from known running engine, white/blue spark jumps 7/16th" air gap. Carburetor and fuel pump rebuilt twice, rechecked twice. Float new and level rechecked again. Reed box was checked and all gaskets replaced.
Lower flange and control arms were loose when pulled from shop.Mechanic admitted to using parts from this engine to help diagnose his jobs. Still putting back together when we arrived. Freeze plug is bent out of shape and shows punch marks. Powerhead has bright starter mounts(no paint) and is a pull start engine. Just doesn't seem to try to fire at all. Acts as if no gas. Is it possible that some problem exists where the swap was made, causing the crankcase pressure and fuel system is compromised. I have order all new gaskets to pull apart and inspect. Anything to especiaaly look at and for? Thanks for a long read.

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