compression test-grounding the coil

[140bb]

the manual says to ground the primary side of the coil to prevent damage to it. how is this done? what is the primary side?
1982 - 140 mercruiser
thanks for your help

 

[Don S]

Re: compression test-grounding the coil

Pull the center coil wire out of the distributor cap and put the end of a wire to a good clean ground.

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: compression test-grounding the coil

You can also use a cheap remote starter switch.
Basically a hand-held switch with two wires with clips on each. You jump from the switch/smaller positive wire on the starter/solenoid to + battery. That way you don't have to remove anything nor worry about the electrical system. You don't even have to turn the ignition key on, thus the ignition/distributor/coil isn't even active nor is any fuel pump/injectors etc if applicable. The only thing powered is the starter.

Cheers

 

[Don S]

Re: compression test-grounding the coil

You can also use a cheap remote starter switch.
Basically a hand-held switch with two wires with clips on each. You jump from the switch/smaller positive wire on the starter/solenoid to + battery. That way you don't have to remove anything nor worry about the electrical system. You don't even have to turn the ignition key on, thus the ignition/distributor/coil isn't even active nor is any fuel pump/injectors etc if applicable. The only thing powered is the starter.

Cheers

That won't work on his points ignition system. There is a bypass circuit that puts power to the coil from the starter solenoid. He would still have power to the coil when cranking the engine over, even with a remote start switch.

 

[KJSmitty]

Re: compression test-grounding the coil

That won't work on his points ignition system. There is a bypass circuit that puts power to the coil from the starter solenoid. He would still have power to the coil when cranking the engine over, even with a remote start switch.

Interesting.

I may even check mine to see if it is the same etc. Never ran into that before, yet then again, I haven't done it on a bunch of marine applications either..

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: compression test-grounding the coil

Ayuh,....

That little bitty extra post on the Marine Starter is just but 1 of the Differences.....

Most automotive starters Don't have it, although a few do....