{"id":2216,"date":"2023-03-28T18:39:07","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T18:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/?p=2216"},"modified":"2023-10-19T15:10:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T15:10:35","slug":"mercury-outboard-bad-trigger-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatingsports.org\/mercury-outboard-bad-trigger-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Symptoms to Detect a Bad Trigger on Your Mercury Outboard"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Marine enthusiasts understand how important a reliable outboard engine is for a pleasant boating trip. However, a broken trigger can put an end to the fun. A bad trigger can ruin a boating trip by causing misfires, backfires, and a drop in performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a novice, it’s critical to understand the warning signs of a bad trigger so you can address it right away and resume enjoying the open waters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we will delve into the symptoms of a bad trigger in a Mercury outboard engine and how you can detect it before it becomes a bigger problem. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a bad trigger on a Mercury outboard by reading on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Know If My Mercury Outboard Trigger Is Bad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your outboard trigger signals when to “fire” the switch box. Although many other factors can be responsible for an unsuccessful engine start, a bad outboard trigger is to blame in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some signs you should look for to determine if there is any problem with your Mercury outboard trigger:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 1: No Spark<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lack of a spark to ignite the fuel mixture, which results in the engine not starting, is a common sign of a bad trigger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can prevent one or multiple cylinders from receiving enough voltage or sparks, causing a rough start or run and misfiring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be a sign that the ignition trigger is not sending the signal to maintain steady voltage<\/a> output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 2: Hard to Start<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When your boat has been idle for some time, and you try to start it again, you may find it hard to make the engine run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is caused because of low power or a weak spark. Also, seeing the engine take longer than usual to get started is a symptom of a bad trigger in your Mercury outboard boat engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, you may experience a higher frequency of the engine getting stalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 3: Engine is Low on Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A faulty trigger can cause misfires in the engine, causing it to lose power and perform poorly. Misfires can result in a “miss” or stuttering sensation in the engine’s operation, lowering its overall performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptom 4: Frequent Engine Stalling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A faulty trigger can also cause irregular ignition timing, causing the engine to stall frequently. This is risky, especially if the engine stalls while boating in rough waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A stalling engine can also cause difficulty restarting the engine and additional wear and tear on the starter and battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Possible Causes of a Trigger Failure on a Mercury Outboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Triggers can fail for one or more of the following reasons. It is important to diagnose the problem accurately before making repairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Accurately diagnosing the issue will help you resolve it quickly and get back to enjoying your time on the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cause 01: Age!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mercury Outboard triggers may eventually fail due to internal malfunctions caused by corrosion and\/or temperature variations. As a result, the trigger may malfunction and cause a failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cause 02: Old Wire Insulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Old or damaged wire insulation is another factor that could contribute to trigger failure on a Mercury outboard engine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may result in a short circuit in the wires, which could stop the trigger from working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 This is why it’s crucial to regularly check the wiring and insulation and replace them as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important Consideration:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before assuming the trigger is faulty, it is best to check the stator first, as it can cause similar symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can quickly test the trigger with an ohmmeter<\/a> and rule it out as a potential problem. This will save time and prevent any unnecessary inspections or repairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Replacement and Repair Costs of Mercury Outboard Bad Trigger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mercury outboard triggers are simple to repair and replace. You can easily repair a faulty trigger; however, we do not recommend repairing something too old and corroded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new Mercury outboard trigger will likely cost between $150 and $200. However, prices may vary depending on where you live and the model and style you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the labor cost will be at most $100. However, if the repair or replacement job is too complicated, it may cost you a little more. So, you can expect the whole job to be completed for under $250.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Maintaining the Mercury Outboard Trigger to Prevent Future Failures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A broken trigger or timer base can impact the power pack and overall efficiency of the outboard motor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, nobody should take a chance. You can use the following advice to stop your Mercury outboard trigger from failing in the future: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Examine for corrosion and other damage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Avoid frequent repairs by replacing them instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Regularly perform trigger bench tests to understand the current state<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    If you don\u2019t know how to perform a trigger bench test, you can watch this quick video from \u201cMerCson L6\u201d on youtube!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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