Merc 80hp No Fire....?

[Bryan22]

I have a 70's 80hp Merc (800 series) with the "Thunderbolt Ignition" It and the boat have been maintaned beautifully and are almost mint. the previous owner recently had a stroke, hence the sale of the boat by family. Everything was good when stored. I am not able to get the motor to fire let alone start, where should I start on this one? I am more familier with Johnson/Evinrude products so any help would be great. Am I missing something?

 

[Ed.Ski]

Re: Merc 80hp No Fire....?

If you have checked for spark at the plugs and check the ignition coil resistances the next check would be the switchbox.<br /><br />This test is for the 332-2986 switchbox used from 1968-1978 on all the inlines.<br /><br />This test assumes your coil is good<br />1. Turn off ignion<br />2. Disconnect all 3 wires on the distributor side of the switchbox.<br />3. Remove the HV lead from the coil to the center cap (remember it unscrews from cap)<br />4. Reconnect the center lead to the COIL side only.<br />5. Position that HV lead about about 3/8" from ground (block, shrouds etc)and find a way to hold it there.<br />6. Jumber the brown and white terminals on the dist. side of the switchbox together.<br />7. Check that you have +12 V at red terminal.<br />8. Turn on ignition and verify +12V at white terminal (on red terminal side)<br />9. Touch the black terminal to ground - unit should cause spark each time you touch ground.<br /><br />If the switchbox is good it's possible the trigger in the distributor is the problem.

 

[Bryan22]

Re: Merc 80hp No Fire....?

Thank you very much It is getting bit late here now so I will try that tomorrow, weather permitting! Thanks again, any other input is appreciated as well.

 

[Bryan22]

Re: Merc 80hp No Fire....?

By the way..... are these a good motor for the most part? (70's Merc 800 series, 80 Hp, Thunderbolt ignition, has the elec/hyd tilt-trim)