I have a 1996 Mercury 200xl outboard - only one side is firing what could cause this?

Question

I have a 1996 Mercury 200xl outboard - only one side is firing what could cause this?

Answer 1

This is a "V"  motor, it has 2 electronic switch boxes.  One is mounted on each side of the "V" block.  They are flat boxes about 3/4 to 1 inch thick and approximately 5 inches long by 3 inches wide and have many wires going into them. Replace the one on the bad side

Answer 2

Frankly I don't know this particular engine, but if the first poster is correct, then I would first swap boxes side to side to see if the problem moves to the other side and insure you a fixing the right thing.

Answer 3

It could be a bad power pack and the above is correct in swapping them to see, or it could be a bad stator, under the flywheel.