No spark? Help please

[arnieb]

Hello Group,

I have a 1988 3L merc inboard. It ran like a top last year. I put it away for the winter properly. Now I am trying to get the motor started and it looks like I have no spark. With my multi meter I don't seem to be getting 12 volts to the coil. The purple wire running from the coil down to the starter was missing the nut! I replaced the nut and checked all the other connections I can see. Its been awhile since I worked on something without a computer!! I also pulled a plug and shorted it to ground with no spark. Would anyone know what I should be checking next?

P.S This engine was replaced before I bought it last year. The cap rotor and points look new. Also the plug wires are new.

Thanks for reading and hopefully helping.

Arnie

 

[thrasher]

Re: No spark? Help please

I think you answered your own question. You need to see 12Volts at the coil.. You say you put a nut on the purple wire, but is there now 12volts at the coil? If not you have either a blown fuse or a bad ignition switch (those would be my guesses). Try tracing the purple wire and find out where you loose the 12 volts.

Gary

 

[arnieb]

Re: No spark? Help please

Hi,

There still is no 12 volts at the coil. The purple wire goes from the coil to the starter with no fuse. Why does the wire go to the starter? Is this where the 12 v is fed from?

Arnie

 

[arnieb]

Re: No spark? Help please

Looks like I FIXED IT. Not sure what it was yet. I was under the dash checking power at the ign switch, all was fine there. I then moved to the engine and checked power right at the starter, 12 volts was there. I worked my way up to the coil and THERE was 12 volts at the coil! It looks like a bad connection or broken wire. I will trace it down after supper and repair the fault. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my problem

Best Regards
Arnie