1985 Sea Ray Mid Cabin

glennj3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
381
I’m looking for a solves issue I had last year. I need to do it again and I’m not sure how I did it?
The plugs are not firing but if I connect a wire to the coil to a wire on the solenoid it runs. Do it once & it cranks & runs.
 

Rick Stephens

Admiral
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
What boat you are driving is meaningless. What's the power unit? No reason to even post boat model when working on the motor.
 

glennj3

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
381
I found my old previous post. Starting it for the 1 st time this season with a water hose. No spark while turning over fast.
It is a170 Mercruiser. I had the same problem last year. Once cranked I could repeatedly crank/run her again with no problem.
So today I connected a spark light between the # 1 plug & wire. No spark, no firing. Engine just spins.
I repeated what I did last year with no spark. That is I ran a wire from the + coil to the orange striped wire at the starter solenoid. Nothing. Then ran it to the + battery. No fire.
I saw a spark each time I touched them to the prospective terminals.
 

kenny nunez

Captain
Joined
Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,331
Try filing the points or just replace them. Ignition points build up some corrosion from long storage. If you do buy a set be sure to buy them from NAPA. Set the gap .016-.017.Stay away from those “big box” auto stores.
If you decide to convert to electronic here are the Prestolite kit numbers.
Sierra marine # 18-5285 or 18-5297 Either one will fit. Easy to install just follow the directions. They are not affected by moisture or long storage.
 
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