1970 wilker 140 omc won’t run

[Mick1965]

I am helping stepson with a 1970 wilker galaxy 170. The boat will not run unless I run a wire from positive side of coil directly to positive terminal on battery? Once I do this, it starts and seems to run ok. Can someone please diagnose what issue would be causing this? I put voltmeter on the starter solenoid (not the relay) and got 12.66 volts. When I did the same thing, and turned over engine, the colts dropped to a reading of 1.5 volts???

 

[Scott Danforth]

first, service the points

second, replace the section of resistor wire in the harness

 

[Mick1965]

Thank you. I’m not sure which wire is the resistor wire in the harness? Thanks for the help.

so if starter engages and turns over, it’s likely not the starter solenoid?