I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

[dfahrney2]

I have a 1985 merc 140 3.0 that does not have spark. I have changed the coil,points,and condenser but still have no spark. I am getting power to the coil but nothing. The distributor does not seem to be putting out spark any help would be appreciated

 

[Don S]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

Did you set the points properly? Dwell????
Are you sure the condenser is installed propely?
Did you change the cap and rotor?
Do you have an OEM service manual?
Have you ever done a tuneup before?

 

[dfahrney2]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

I have not changed the cap and rotor. I have done tune ups on cars of this age but have never ran into this kind of problem. When I pull the wire from for the coil/dis cap I am not getting spark when I put it close to the block. Agian this is a brand new coil but it does seem to be putting out any spark. I am getting power to the the coil.

 

[Don S]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

are the points opening and closing when the engine turns? Is the gap set properly? Is the point surfaces clean. Dirty contacts (Even if new) means no spark.

There is a lot more to the system than a coil.

 

[dfahrney2]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

I have set the points at 10-15 thous. yes the points are opening and closing. I did clean the points befor putting them in. I dont have nor can I find a OEM book so I was not sure what to set the points at. The only place that can get me a book said it will take a week to two weeks to get. So I found this site for INFO. I am shotting in the dark more or less.

 

[Don S]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

Your manual problem is very easy to fix.
Go to the link below, and download the OEM manuals for free.
#10 for your engine, #6 for your drive.

http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/srvcovr.pdf

 

[dfahrney2]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

Thank you very much for the link and your time. I think that this will help me with me problem (I hope) if I have any more problems I will be back for your help. take care and have a good night.

 

[wire2]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

.....I am getting power to the the coil.

So there's 12v on the + terminal? And ground on the - terminal WHEN the points are closed? There should be 12 v on the - terminal when the points are open.

If you have a 12v test light, put it on the coil + and -, it should flash when you crank.

 

[dfahrney2]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

I found the problem it was a inline fuse/fusible link I ran a jumper lead from the battery to the coil and started the starter with the key and bam it started. So I traced the wires and found a chard wire replaced it and off to the water I went with a great day of fishing with no problem thanks all for your help.

 

[Don S]

Re: I Have a Merc. 1985 140 that want start

Then how did you have power to the coil like you stated in your original post