1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

Sort of backs up my belief that they really don't have a clue about engines...

In the original harness there is a red wire specifically for the switchbox. Electrically it's the same wire as the one on the rectifier... and you shouldn't have needed to run a new one. The harness in your picture looks a little non-genuine, and really neat . Did you do it yourself?

Chris......

Yeah, I couldn't understand why they didn't just run the extra red wire as part of the harness. They did include the red jumper wire already made though so it was just an install part. I did do the job myself and I tried to make it as "neat" as I could considering everything was about 6 inches too long!

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

it's actually run a little different now as the brown wire is now connected to one of the yellow wires at the rectifier in order for my tach to pickup. I've also gone through and zip-tied everything a little better as well.....

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

My switch box does not have a red terminal.

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

you need to post a picture of your switchbox then! Doesn't make sense to not have the proper connections.......

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

Ok I'll post a picture tomorrow. it's late and raining here now..........
Thanks everyone!

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

My switch box does not have a red terminal.

Just had a read of the CDI installation guide, and it appears that there is SIGNIFICANT differences between the CDI and OEM units.

Have a read yourself and make sure that whoever did install that unit did it EXACTLY as the instructions say. If they didn't, that could explain your lack of spark. Make sure the ignition coil is also CDI and not Merc (see instructions).

http://www.cdielectronics.com/InstallSheet/114-2986.pdf

Chris..........

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

From the serial number you posted your engine is 1976...

If this is what your switchbox looks like then you really need to read the instructions (in my previous post) and make sure it has all been put on correctly. In that instruction sheet are also some test procedures (I'm not sure how much they can be believed) that might be worth following.

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

this is the switch box that I have on this motor.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/image/view/3/3/1142986_2.jpg

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

yes that is the box on my boat. I don't know who installed it. I got it that way. I'm getting a little frustrated with it.........

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

Print out the installation instructions and check that they have been followed EXACTLY.... Use the test procedure they suggest and post back the results. Use the my posting of the original system to see what was there before and check the new set up...

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

what the crap is that? looks like a stripped down switchbox with an integrated coil!

I haven't a clue now........I'd be looking for a junkyard with the correct box and coil!

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

what the crap is that? looks like a stripped down switchbox with an integrated coil!

I haven't a clue now........I'd be looking for a junkyard with the correct box and coil!

Any idea where I could find some used parts reasonable?

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

http://www.marinepartsman.com/

Call and talk to Larry

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

Before going to the trouble of buying an old (unknown) switchbox/coil and trying to undo all the damage done putting the cdi unit in, try and get the cdi unit going. At least run through the test procedure to find out where the problem is. From what I can see the cdi unit shouldn't be to difficult to test.... You may find that the all that's happened is someone got a wire wrong and it will be working in a flash. You could save some money and learn a lot about your engine at the same time.

Chris.............

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

what the crap is that? looks like a stripped down switchbox with an integrated coil!

I think the coil is just attached to the mounting plate above the switchbox. Note the green wire, if the coil was integral then the wire would be internal. I think they just reduced the size of the switchbox in line with newer, smaller components.

I haven't a clue now........I'd be looking for a junkyard with the correct box and coil!

I read through the installation and testing leaflet (the pdf I attached in one of my earlier posts) and it doesn't look too complicated. The only major change is that they don't have a red wire to the switchbox, they use the white wire to power it as well as 'sensing' the ignition key....

I would run with it using the test procedures and see if it's working....

Chris........

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

http://www.marinepartsman.com/

Call and talk to Larry

Thanks I'll check it out.
I may need to replace all ignition parts and start over, or trade up.

 

[RayRob]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

thanks Chris, And All!

 

[achris]

Re: 1980 Thunderbolt 1150 No Fire

Thanks I'll check it out.
I may need to replace all ignition parts and start over, or trade up.

Before going that route, just check out the unit you have. It may be working, just wired wrong, or something else could be faulty. Best to do some proper diagnostics on it before replacing parts ad hoc.

Chris.........