Wont Start - Plug Wires

[mwpresley]

I have a 1990 8hp Mercury manual start. I just bought it and took it out same day for a spin in it worked well. Next day fishing the motor wont start. Plugs have some wear but did not look that bad. I pulled the wires from the engine (on a car I would say from the distributor end) The ends (not the plug end) were gunked up with a grease type substance. Should this be? I think not. But how did soo much goop get up in here? How do I clean it out? Should I clean it out? I wiped it off the wires and reinserted but it still does not start. There is still goop in where they insert. Recomendations? Comments?<br /><br />Thx!

 

[mwpresley]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

A continuity check from the tips of each wire result in a reading of 1.8k set to 20k ohms on the meter. Maybe I just need new plugs??? I thought high readings here were bad.<br /><br />And oh yeah the plugs did have some fuel on them when removed to so fuel is reaching the engine.

 

[bobinky]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

the gunk is normal there is no need to clean it have you checked to see if you have spark and have you double checked to make sure the kill switch is not tripped?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

mwpresley,<br />The grease on the plugwire is probably dielectric,and meant to be there.I also doubt two coil wires went bad over night.What starting sequence are you using?Also does this engine have a kill (teather) switch that is off?<br /> Beyound that go to basic test spark,compression (probably won't go away over night),and fuel.Do a gas sample,and be sure it is clean.<br />DHP

 

[mwpresley]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

Following starting process in owners manual. New gas mixed by me. Same gas that ran the engine the day before. Yes there is a kill switch, it is set to "run". Fuel is geetting to cyliders because the tip of the plug was wet when I took it out.<br /><br />I will check actual spark. Any suggested way to do this?

 

[IBrokeMyFreakinNeck]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

Originally posted by mwpresley:<br />Following starting process in owners manual. New gas mixed by me. Same gas that ran the engine the day before. Yes there is a kill switch, it is set to "run". Fuel is geetting to cyliders because the tip of the plug was wet when I took it out.<br /><br />I will check actual spark. Any suggested way to do this?

The way I check spark is to pull the plug out, put the wire back on it then hold it with some insulated pliers and put it real close to the block while a friend bumps the starter. You will see the spark coming from the plug to the block. Do this to each plug. This is better done at night where you can easily see the spark.<br /><br />Billy

 

[mwpresley]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

Well I have what looks like strong spark on both plugs. I'll bet its just the plugs. They do have some considerable wear. This is a new engine to me. I would think they are old. But one day they run the engine and the very next they dont!<br /><br />I ordered exact matching plugs I'll have them tomorrow. We'll see.

 

[mwpresley]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

Well new plugs didn't help. It definatly has spark. Start up proceedure...<br /><br />1. Pump bulb until firm (I can even see the fuel go into the filter)<br />2. Rotate choke knob from slow idle to fast idle and pull all the way out.<br />3. Ensure tiller is set to neutral.<br />3.5. Make sure kill switch is in run position.<br />4. Pull rope repeatedly for 1 to 2 minutes.<br />5. Let sit for 2 minutes try again from step 1.<br /><br />I have even tried half and no choke. Spark is getting to engine and I can smell fuel on the plugs when I take them out.<br /><br />What am I missing here!!!!<br /><br />Thx.

 

[mwpresley]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

I guess Im not missing anything except that it starts at the middle position on the choke. I had to pull it about 10 times. Just cold and Im at 4k elevation I guess.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Wont Start - Plug Wires

Good. <br />I guess it needs a little chocking, but not full choke due to the high elevation.<br /><br />Manual start motors are a real pain when you flood them a little. Been there, done that.