No spark whatsoever!

[87Aggie]

'77 140 hp with TnT. No spark on any cylinder. Performed all ohm tests in OEM manual and everything checked out fine. I obviously don't have a "neon test light" as recommended in the book to test stator output and powerpack - however I replaced the stator and powerpack last summer. Also, I don't have an "ignition tester" to check the ignition coils - another test in the "book". Boat was pretty much out of commission all last summer due to not wanting to start. Due to ignorance on my part I executed the "parts replacement mechanic mentality" and still have a motor that does not run. Does anybody have any ideas? Is there a way to check the stator and/or powerpack without having to use the fancy testers mentioned in the book? I'm really at a loss to where to look next. Some background info: carbs disassembled, cleaned and new kits installed, fuel pump - new kit installed, new plugs, fully charged new battery, new battery cables and ends, new ignition switch, compression ranged from 115 to 122 psi. I need help don't I!?!

 

[Indymike]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Look here troubleshooting info .<br />It will help.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Disconnect the red cannon plug and then check for spark again. Dont try to start it, if it starts you wont have any way to shut it off other than to flood it.<br /><br />Tell us what you find.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Dhadley, seemingly a stupid question on my part, Without turning the key and cranking the engine, how do I test for spark?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

You can jump the solenoid with a wire or a remote starter button. You could use jumper cables and go directly to the starter. The starter button is the preferred method.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

I knew how to jump the solenoid which cranks the engine, evidently having the red cannon plug disconnected prevents the engine from starting? or are you saying that I should not "try to start it" by meaning I shouldn't pump the bulb, engage the start lever, push the choke, etc... Sorry for all the questions but I just want to make sure I'm following your suggestion correctly.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

With the cannon plug undone it may start but you will have no way to shut it off other than flooding it. If it starts just make sure you have water going to it.<br /><br />You said you have no spark at all now. We assume you have a spark checker hooked up or are looking at spark plugs while someone cranks it over. I would recommend to have your spark checker hooked up and jump the solenoid with the cannon plug undone. If you have spark, the problem is in or forward of that plug.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

I have a spark checker hooked up - it's a spark checker that plugs into one plug and has an adjustment for gap, I presently have it set at 7/16 of an inch, I'll do as you say and get back with you tomorrow. Thanks for the advice!

 

[McGR]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

You will get spark with the red plug disconnected. Having it disconnected will disable the starting/cranking circuit from the key switch. However, using the jumper technique you should get cranking and spark with the connector off. I might suggest pulling all four plugs and running jumpers from the plug grounds to the block (mechanics wire works good for this). Then go ahead and crank to see if any of the plugs are firing. This will also keep the engine from starting.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

No spark with cannon plug disconnected. Next step?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

OK, the problem is from the plug back. Find and disconnect (take out of the connector) the black wire with the yellow stripe going to each pack.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Black with yellow stripe is the ignition kill wire as I understand it. Only got one pack (power pack)on this motor. Disconnect it and try and start with key switch or jumping solenoid?

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Either way. I might be tempted to leave the cannon plug undone just in case we have 2 problems.

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Just to clarify, I need to disconnect the black with yellow stripe(Ignition kill wire) from the power pack (only got one on this engine). Then check for spark - with the key switch or jumping the solenoid?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Be safe..... Remove the spark plugs!

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Sorry for the double post kinda, my post 07:28 wasnt showing up so I reposted. I disconnect the black/yellow wire at the power pack and jump the solenoid to check for spark.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Good point Joe. I had actually assumed that the plugs were out as thats the way I do it. My mistake for assuming!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[87Aggie]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Disconnected the cannon plug, undid the black with yellow stripe from the power pack, removed the plugs as per Joe and McGR suggestions, jumped the solenoid and now I've killer spark bluish white and jumping 7/16.

 

[McGR]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

Put the black/yellow wire back and remove it a couple of times while checking for spark. If the spark consistantly goes away when the wire is re- connected you've found your problem. Basically this wire has found a path to ground which is effectively "turning off" the power pack. Take an Ohm meter and measure resistance to ground. If it is anything other than infinate you have a problem somewhere between the red plug and the wire termination to the power pack. At this point it is just a matter of finding where the wire is finding a path to ground. Conductive contamination in the plug or elsewhere in the harness assembly is most likely the cause.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: No spark whatsoever!

OK, while the blk/yell is disconnected, put the plugs back in but hook your spark checker to the plug wires. This should slow your cranking rpm. See if you still have spark.