Ignition solenoid question

[dubge]

Is an ignition solenoid a sealed marine one or can you use an automotive one?
Wanted to go out tomorrow but can not get the marine one until Tue but can get an automotive one today. I just want to know if I should make plans to go out tomorrow or wait.

Thanks

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

The Ford ones are same as auto.....
I'd bet the GM are, too......​

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

You can go out tomorrow WITHOUT the solenoid!
Assuming you are talking about the slave start solenoid used on Mercruisers, just connect the two yellow/w red strip wires from the solenoid together and it should start just fine till you get the proper solenoid that will fit.

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

I think the post is broken off that connects the ign wire to the distributor. When I take off the dist end and crank it over near a ground it is shooting a spark from the cap to the ground and not the other end of the wire that I took off the dist.
I have a buddy coming over to help me pull it out and check it for sure.
I have torn cartilage in my knee and havent been able to get in and work on it like I would like to

Thanks for the help, I will post later on what my findings were
Thanks
Ray

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

Are you sure you aren't talking about a coil instead of a solenoid???????

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

No I just thought it clipped in like it does on a spark plug, not that farmiliar with these things. I changed it out and still get no spark so I would guess the next step would be the ignition???

Thanks

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

oh and my mistake I beleive it is the coil

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

Well, now that you finally stated what your problem is, and there is actually no such thing as an "Ignition Solenoid" I have something that may help.

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

Also, if you actually have an 85 engine, you would need manual #9, if it's an 84, you need manual #3.
If you have a SN of your engine I could check what it is.
The serial number is above the starter on a brass tag.

Here is a link to download the manuals for free.
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/sisdata/srvcovr.pdf

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

Thanks Don, I am a dope, it is the coil not solenoid. I will do some more testing but everything is pointing to the ignition moduel.

My engine # is 686 2344

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

Can a thunderbolt 4 be replaced with an MSD or a different ignition?

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

It's an 84, you need manual #3 for your engine. That download is 1.36 GB in size. Unless you have a dialup modem, it may take days to download, if it will at all.
Might check on ebay for one.

The TB4 is a much better ignition system than the MSD, plus it is designed to work with the shift interrupt system.

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

wow an 84, thanks for that info. As for the ignition, is there an alternative I can p/u until I can get a TB4 or should I just hold out for the TB4?
As you can tell I am trying to get out on the water tomorrow I will wait if I have to but I am going to try like crazy to make it happen if I can

Thanks for all the help

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

As for the ignition, is there an alternative I can p/u until I can get a TB4 or should I just hold out for the TB4?

Huh????????????

Do you mean the coil???? If all you need is a coil, check with your local Merc dealers. They probably have one in stock. Might also check with NAPA, they usually have them in the Sierra brand of aftermarket marine parts.

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

No I replaced the coil and beleive the problem is a bad thunderbolt ignition moduel and wanted to know if there is an alternative replacement for that from an auto shop because all the merc shops around me are closed til monday

Thanks

 

[Don S]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

The modules are a Merc only item.

 

[dubge]

Re: Ignition solenoid question

well looks like I will wait until monday

Thanks
again