Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

[Hooty]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I don't think so. All the rectifier does is convwert AC to Dc for charging the battery. Might be different on a Merc but I don't think so.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

What should I try next? The + wire on the coils is grounded even when the key is on. I have disconnected the black/yellow on both switch boxes and still no spark or change in the + coil wire being grounded.

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I have ruled out the black/yellow wires on the swith box. What would be my next step?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

Well, the + side of the coils should show continunity to ground because it's just a big loop of wire. <br />I think you need to go back to square one and start with the stator and see if it's making power. The manual should show you how to check it out. It should tell you which wires to check for voltage when spinning the engine with the starter.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I think I have an old manual or I am just too dumb to read it. I need to get a newer manual for one thing. How much could I expect to pay if I took it to a Mercury Tech to get it tested?

 

[Hooty]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

Don't give in to the Merc Tech yet.<br />If you don't have a Mercury manual for your engine, either buy one or check the library for one. It should have procedures for trouble-shooting that thang. <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

Will I be able to test it with a multi-meter or will I need something more complex? The manual I have shows a much different picture than my motor. I believe the date on it is 73.

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

Can someone tell me if I will need more than a multi meter to test?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

this may be a stupid question, but have you confirmed<br />that you aren't getting fire? did you pull the<br />plug wires 1 at a time and check for spark?<br />just curious,<br />M.Y.

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I did not take them all off. Just a couple of them. And I am really not sure that I know what I am doing anyway. What is the best way to do that with little to no equipment.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

You should be able to test for continuity/voltage with a simple volt meter ($15). Simple spark testers can be had at the nearest Advance Auto parts store for about $10. Or you can put on your rubber soled shoes and gloves, pull each plug and hold it against the head with rubber-handled pliers and watch for spark as someone else turns the key. A note here, your battery must be fully charged to get an old Merc to fire up...otherwise it will just drag the batt down. Good luck. If you spring for a manual, get a Seloc...its the best on explanations and diagrams IMHO.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

do at night. pull a wire and ground to block<br />while somone turns her over CAREFULLY <br />should see a nice blue spark jump across.<br />ain't called thunderbolts for nothin...<br />post results and good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I did try that and had no spark this way.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

no spark on all 6??? dang!<br />it's all about eliminating causes, cheapest first IMHO.<br />eg. battery is too low, enough to turn over, but<br />not enough to fire.<br />got a Seloc manual here for that motor and would <br />be happy to look into troubleshooting for you.<br />a wrench would charge $50-$75 to check her out<br />(1hr labor)

 

[dstuard]

Re: Desperate - Please Help with Merc ignition problem

I would be glad to pay $75 to have it checked out. I was quoted two hours to check it. The battery has plenty of power to turn it like wildfire. It will be the weekend before I have a chance to look at it. Thanks for the help. My question is still why would the black/yellow wire be grounded coming from the engine to kill switch even when it is disconeected from the kill switch. When I take the black/yellow off the switch box it is not grounded any more but will still not get spark.