Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

[skloczko]

Hi. I have a Merc 350 in my sea ray, its an early 80's with an Alpha 1. I stored it away a little over a year ago, and havent used it since. At the time I stored it it ran fine. Now this past weekend I pulled it out to get it ready to sell, but there is no spark. Any ideas on some quick things I should check first, since nothing has been touched since last year?

Thanks!

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

How early 80s? Points or Thnderbolt????????

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

I would guess it has points and they have become glazed over. Even if they look brand new, put a new set in.

Of course, that's IF you have points.

 

[skloczko]

Re: Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

Hmmm. You know, I'm not sure... I dont think there are points, but I could be wrong.

Ill have to take a look.

Strange enough though, the distributor cap was quite loose, which I realized after I couldnt get it started. To the point I could just pull it off... I did tighten everything down, at which point I tested for a spark and there was none.

Ill check out the points situation later, and distributor cap to see if there is corrosion. Could a bad coil be the suspect as well?

 

[pcosky]

Re: Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

I've been working on engines since I was a kid, a bad coil would certainly cause no spark but I have only come across a couple bad coils in almost 30 years. More than likely you'll find some corrosion at an electrical connection causing your issue.

But start with making sure you have voltage to the coil. If you do have voltage to the coil put a meter across the coil, unhook the wire so it is electrically isolated, and make sure the windings aren't open.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Early 80's Merc 350; was a spark now there is none

If you have points, and yes, you will have to look, then 99 times out of a hundred it will solve the problem by replacing the points. Points don't like sitting up for long periods. No sense in wondering about other causes yet. Verify what you have first.