1989 200 spark problems

Jons69chevy

Cadet
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
22
Hello again everybody. I have finally finished up a rebuild of my 89 200 hp. After all new pistons, bearings, rebuilt carbs and everything I have a spark problem. Before the rebuild, the engine would be very hard to start after sitting for a week or more. It would only spark intermittently but would run ok once it started. It never had a warm start problem. I took the boat into the shop to be checked over by a real mechanic before we took it out to test it after the rebuild. He started it and set the low speed timing and did a link and sych on it. The cold start problem is now back and it wont start beacause it doesnt have any spark at all. He tells me that the rectifier/regulator is bad and that it can be causing problems/so he wants to replace it. I was also told that the power pack may also be bad and may need to be replaced. My question is Are we looking in the right direction? The mechanic did tell me when he first was checking it out that the regulator/rectifier was bad but could this be causing there to be no spark? He seems to be confident that 1 of these 2 parts is the problem but like everyone else, I dont like to spend money unless necessary. As always, help is appreciated.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1989 200 spark problems

The reg/rect isn't causing your lack of spark. Several things could be wrong including the pack but I don't think you'll find the answer in the reg/rect. It could be as simple as the motor not turning over fast enough.
 

Jons69chevy

Cadet
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
22
Re: 1989 200 spark problems

In speaking with him a little more, he says that he is sure that the regulator/rectifier is bad so he wants to get that fixed first and then go from there. The motor does have a brand new battery and a recent starter. Obviosly that doesnt mean that they arent bad but it does lower the chances. I will have him load test the battery and go from there. He was in a hurry when I spoke to him and mentioned a "couple of wires that were in bad shape" I will let you know what happens.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: 1989 200 spark problems

I'm not sure I'd spend the money in that order but thats up to you. Until you get the motor running you can't really tell if the reg/rec is bad or not.

If the tach is reading when you spin it over, most likely the reg/rec is OK.
 

reeldutch

Lieutenant
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
1,340
Re: 1989 200 spark problems

when you had the flywheel of did you inspect the magnets?
 

Jons69chevy

Cadet
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
22
Re: 1989 200 spark problems

We did a visual inspection and didnt notice anything that was missing or loose. The tach was working before the rebuild, but I cannot be sure that it is working now. He said that it is forsure not charging. I am going ahead and letting him try and fix it, not that I want to spend the money but he has helped us through the whole rebuild process by letting us use tools and different manuals. So in part I guess I owe him that part of the business. The regulator is supposed to be in Friday and I will let you guys know how it goes.
 
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