Re: Questions from the Darkside Mercury 9.8 1972

[David Stanton]

These are known for bad insulation on the wires. I don’t know if wiring harnesses are available, but if they are, they will be expensive. You are $$ ahead running each wire separate. I’ve found that wires going to the points are known for shorting to ground metal where insulation has cracked where they enter and are routed on the breaker plate. If your motor has coils mounted outside the flywheel, the points are "Maker points" they "make" to energize these coils from voltage stored in the rotor, so spark is initiated when the points close instead of open.
For fuel lines inside the motor, go to a good auto parts store and ask for the proper inside diameter in rubber automotive fuel lines – these were common when most all cars had carbs, and still available at better stores – maybe NAPA. If you need a new gas line for the tank, go to Walmart’s marine accessories shelf.
If I remember right, the carb has the fuel filter and fuel pump on board – someone here correct me if I’m wrong – i’m not sure just what year some of this changed.

You can find parts lists and exploded views at http://www.marineengine.com. also a lot of info and parts at http://www.oldmercs.com
Dave