Mercruiser 120 won't start

[sooperspeed]

Hey All,<br /><br />I am having troubles with my 1982 Mercrusier 120. I have come to the conclusion that somewhere between the key and the coil there is a disconnect or an issue with the wiring. When I turn the key the lights and guages dim, but the engine doesn't crank. This just started the other day. The boat ran two years ago. After pulling it out cleaning it up checking plugs, gas, etc and trying to start it repeatedly something just quit. I am guessing it is a relay of some sort? I can hold a wire from the positive battery cable to the solenoid and it will crank but not start. When using a timing light we can't getting anything at the coil. Any help would be appreciated. I searched the forums and I didn't find quite what I have going on.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

your problem with the starter could be dirty connections or possibly the starter is drawing to many amps. I dont believe a timing light is used for testing coils. What condition are the points in? How many volts do you have at the positive side of the coil?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

Points are probably glazed over. Do a tuneup and it will probably start and run.

 

[sooperspeed]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

would an '82 have points? I am new to the mechanics of boats.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

I would assume you have points. Take off the distributor cap and see

 

[sooperspeed]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

Can I just clean them up or do I need new ones?

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

You can buy new points, rotor and condenser for ten dollars. If you do not know how to change them you are better off finding someone who can set the dwell

 

[sooperspeed]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

ok, cool, thanks for the help. That is easy enough. I wish I would have posted this two weeks ago...<br /><br />first time boat owner....

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

I am betting that the points are the prob. Dont buy a new coil until you get the points done. A lot of people make that mistake. The coil will not fire with shorted points. Let us know. Good luck

 

[sooperspeed]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

I am just getting ready to head over to where the boat is stored. I will let you know if I get it started....

 

[sooperspeed]

Re: Mercruiser 120 won't start

Thanks for all the help guys, I picked up one of those tune up kits just to be sure I took care of everything and the boat started right up and ran perfect. From what my dad told me the boat has never run that well. <br /><br />Thanks again for all the help!!!