1992 Mariner Magnum 40 No Spark on top 2 cylinders

[gloveral]

I picked up magnum a 40. The motor has decent comrpression of 105-110 on all 4 cylinders. However the motor only has spark on the bottom two cylinders. I switched a coil from the bottom cylinder to the top and still have no spark so I think I can rule out the coils but not wiring or power pack.

Questions: Is there a way to test the power pack? Are there other areas I need to be looking? I do not have a control box but do have a wiring harness. Where does the battery hook up--I see no main leads in the harness, were they seperate to the solenioid? I jumped the starter to do intilal checking. Are the circuits in the power pack so that the cylinders are paired--is it common to lose two at a time?

I am very familair with the late 50's-early 60's 4cyl's and love them points are cheap), but have little to no experience with the CD ignition. Had one mechanic tell me these motors were junk and like to blow up--is this true? I also notice what looks like a small amount of Devcon or JB weld on the bottom of the crankcase behind the bottom carb (hate I did not see it when I was looking it over). The motor makes no strange sounds when turning over, repair actually looks pretty good--any thoughts? Previous repair?

I am trying to get this motor just to try it out in the driveway before I start doing major repairs.

Thanks for any help

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1992 Mariner Magnum 40 No Spark on top 2 cylinders

Either the stator winding ot the trigger winding is shot for the top 2 cyls. Swap the blue and the blue/white and the red and the red/white wires at the box, if the spark stays the same it's the trigger if it changes to the other 2 cyls. it's the stator.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1992 Mariner Magnum 40 No Spark on top 2 cylinders

The guy you talked to is a idiot or is trying to sell you something new those engines are bullet proof except for the ign. always use Rapair parts for repair and the Mercury ign. is poor at best.

 

[gloveral]

Re: 1992 Mariner Magnum 40 No Spark on top 2 cylinders

Quick question just to clarifiy. I need to swap the blue wire with the blue and white wire, basically just reverse them for this check, and then do the same with swapping the red wire with the red and white. Is this correct?

Or am I supposed to swap blue with red and blue white with red white?

"Swap the blue and the blue/white and the red and the red/white wires at the box"

Thanks for the boost of confidence on the quality of the motor--I have some that are 50 years old still running strong with basically the same design. I am really starting to hate he weakness of the ignition though.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1992 Mariner Magnum 40 No Spark on top 2 cylinders

Do them at the same time with the blues swaping and the reds swaping.