Mercury 3.0 EST no spark

[Scott06]

I put in base mode per directions in service manual, which has you jumping the two wires on dist, and bypassing shift interrupt. I set to 1* BTDC.

Once I take unhook wires on dist and put shift interrupt back it's still at 1* BTDC (should be 12* BTDC with advance at idle). When I rev it up, it has a hard time and timing is still at 1* even at 2,000RPM or so.

I've tried OEM module, cheaper O'reillys brand and another module and none of them are advancing. But I really can't think of anything else besides the module that would affect advance.

if it is not moving around at idle it is locked in base mode. Module only in there. I would try as AD suggests pulling the plug off. Only thing I can think of is if you are getting 12 v to the base mode wire ...

Assume balancer hasn't slipped such that you are not actually at TDC ... grabbing at straws

 

[Yz229]

Sanity check here, you're both talking about this wire?

I believe when I checked voltage a while back at had 12v. So basically I'm just unhooking the shift interrupt and not "bypassing" it.

 

[alldodge]

I believe that's the wire next to the two white wires that you connect to go into base mode? If I remember correctly, I had 12v on that.

Let me try that later and see. Thanks!

Yes, The plug with the 2 white wires and the one black that goes to shift switch. The one used to set timing

 

[Scott06]

http://marineengines4less.com/images/companies/1/EST%20Ignition%20Instructions%20-%20ME4L.pdf?1431462059320

the wiring diagram in the install instructions show only one wire to shift interrupt timing shunt has the two white and a black to 12 v +..

 

[Yz229]

I checked timing with shift interrupt completely disconnected, bypassed and connected with no difference in timing. Still was 1* BTDC. Was trying it also while running, so would think they were be a noticeable change in idle, but nothing. I still need to check if there is 12v on the black wire.

 

[alldodge]

With change no change in advance the module isn't working

 

[Yz229]

Yeah, need to find a good quality module. The OEM says "Elko".

I even tried completely disconnecting the 3 wire plug on dizzy with no change.

Of course, if I manually move dizzy while in it's stuck base mode to 12* BTDC it starts to smooth out considerably.

 

[Scott06]

Yeah, need to find a good quality module. The OEM says "Elko".

I even tried completely disconnecting the 3 wire plug on dizzy with no change.

Of course, if I manually move dizzy while in it's stuck base mode to 12* BTDC it starts to smooth out considerably.

I would try sending both your modules back for replacement as that is the only thing it could be. Unfortunately you aren’t the first person weve seen on here who had to try multiple modules to get one working one.
might be worth a call to a place like Michigan Motorz. When i bought my replacement engine there they were very helpful with good tech support

 

[Yz229]

might be worth a call to a place like Michigan Motorz. When i bought my replacement engine there they were very helpful with good tech support

Distributor Ignition Module - 3.0L. 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L, 7.4L

www.michiganmotorz.com

Maybe this one will work.

 

[alldodge]

MM is a good company but Sierra is hit and miss IMO. That said if you get a bad one others have said they will replace

I would look at the local GM dealer

 

[Scott06]

MM is a good company but Sierra is hit and miss IMO. That said if you get a bad one others have said they will replace

I would look at the local GM dealer

Agreed on Sierra-

to OP I would call MM and speak to one of their tech support folks to make sure we aren't missing anything before purchasing another module.

 

[Yz229]

Well it's a friend's boat, he got a Sierra module at West marine. Still stuck in base mode.

I did notice the voltage coming into dizzy from coil was 11.8v, while battery voltage was a bit low at 12.2v. Wondering if these modules require a certain amount of voltage to come out of base mode. Need to find out where bad connection/ground is.