'89 175 spark issue

[BKS72]

I'm helping a friend with a powerhead swap on a 1989 175. Swap is done and I was doing the last checks before we fired it up and found no spark on #4 cylinder. Stator checks good (175v DVA) and the no spark issue moves with the powerpack to coil wire when I move the wire to a different coil.

Spark is weak, it wont jump 7/16 gap on spark tester but will fire the plugs (other than #4). I need to finish troubleshooting but I'm leaning towards the powerpack at this point. Any other checks I might be missing?

Also, when I try to test orange powerpack to coil wire voltage with my DVA I'm not geting a reading on any coil. I'm pushing a straight pin into the wire and puttng + test lead on it and - lead to clean engine ground. Am I not testing this right or (and this is my guess) is my meter just not quick enough to pick it up? Thanks!

Branden

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: '89 175 spark issue

The factory manual has some excellent troubleshooting tips on the ignition system. The factory manual condemns the stator if it does not put out at least 200 volts when cranking, as measured by a special peak reading voltmeter. While doing those voltage checks, you might as well check the timer base voltage output also. You can also find some great tips on the web from cdielectronics.

 

[BKS72]

Re: '89 175 spark issue

Yeah, I have the factory manual and the troubleshooting guide from CDI. CDI says stator voltage of 150 to 200 DVA is within spec. I still need to finish checking everything out but the ignition components for this motor are pretty spendy so any additional info I can get is appreciated.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: '89 175 spark issue

I think the output voltage for the timer base is something like .3 volts. If both these items (stator and timer base) check out, then I'd be looking at the power pack.

 

[BKS72]

Re: '89 175 spark issue

Thank you!