5.7L Merc 1995 randomly wont start

[thormx11]

We got out boat (1995 Century Arabian 240) ready to go to the lake about 2 weeks ago, ran the boat and everything seemed fine. We ended up not going, and when we went to start the boat last weekend it would crank but never fire.

Its getting plenty of fuel into the carb, kill switch was on. At first it fired a few times but wouldnt run for more than a second, but now it wont fire at all.

Any idea what would cause this? Im leaning towards a bad coil, but im no expert.

Are there any fuses? I cannot find any fuses in the boat, except for a circuit breaker on top of the engine, which is good.

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.7L Merc 1995 randomly wont start

When it doesn't start, do you have spark? Doesn't matter if you have switches in the right position, do you have spark.

 

[thormx11]

Re: 5.7L Merc 1995 randomly wont start

Is there another way to check spark? Other than holding a plug to metal when turning over? Im waiting on my father to get home to hold the plug while I crank it to check. (cant reach both by myself!)

 

[Don S]

Re: 5.7L Merc 1995 randomly wont start

Yes, pull the coil wire out of the center of the distributor cap, hold the end of the wire about a 1/2" from a clean (not painted) ground on the block and crank the engine. You should see a bright blue/white spark snap across the gap.