Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

Joined
Jul 25, 2007
Messages
60
2001 Merc 115hp ser#0T362119 Mod#115ELPT4S.

Has spark, then no spark, then spark again? Anyone have any idea or had this problem before? Sometimes it'll work fine for a couple weekends then it may not start for 3 days. Seems to do what it wants. Been messing around here in the driveway for a couple days now getting it to act up twice figuring out that is looses all spark. Then you may turn the key the next try and she'll purr like a kitten.
 
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Texasmark

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 20, 2005
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14,780
Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

I had problems with my CDIs on an '02 90. Thermal intermittents. But mine was only one cylinder at a time, not wouldn't start as you said. May have a stator problem. Get a manual and do the troubleshooting. Seloc on here is ok. I have that and a Merc and some parts of each are better than the other. Also a battery operated timing light can give you a real quick look to see if a plug wire is hot or not.

Mark
 

snowbrd84

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Sep 23, 2012
Messages
215
Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

Inspect all of the wiring connections on the motor. Built up corrosion on the terminals could cause intermittent contact. If they look bad, just disconnect and clean one at a time. Also inspect the wiring itself, wires can corrode from the inside out, they may look fine on the outside, but can be completely correded inside the insulation...
 

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
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5,617
Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

ISSUU - CDI Electronics Practical Outboard Ignition Troubleshooting by CDI Electronics

The CDI Ignition Guide is THE best Ignition Troubleshooting Guide written. You will need either a DVA meter or a DVA adaptor to use with any volt/ohm meter to test your ignition.

Another possibility many often miss is slow cranking speed. Stator driven ignitions have a minimum cranking speed of 300 RPM to generate sufficient voltage for the system to operate. Cranking speed slows over time as cable connections corrode, stater brushes wear, speed reduces gradually so what we may think is fine can be just slow enough to cause a problem.

Cleaning ALL cable ends, disassembling the starter to clean the commutator and lightly lube the bushings, can make a substantial difference in cranking speed.

And it is good maintenance.
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2007
Messages
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Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

Anyone have the wiring schematics and ignition info (test numbers) for this engine? I have a meter and a DVA adapter.

Thanks CharlieB I do see a pile of good info there but I see nothing for this motor. I think they do not talk about the 4 stroke motors in that link.
 
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achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

I have manuals with the diagrams you're looking for, but I can't identify your engine. The serial number has one too many digits, and remove each one in turn does not bring up a 115hp.... :noidea: Any chance of checking it and post the right number, thank....

I could have a guess at the right diagram, but if I'm wrong it could lead you up the wrong garden path....

Chris.......
 
Joined
Jul 25, 2007
Messages
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Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

Sorry I did mistype...here is the correct ser#0T362119!
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Has spark, then no spark, then spark again???

Sorry I did mistype...here is the correct ser#0T362119!

That's better... :D A 115hp 4stroke....

The diagrams are too big to post here. If you PM me your email address I'll send to you...

Chris.......
 
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