No Spark

[tcmers]

I've got a spark problem with my Volvo 225e. (GM 305) The boat has been running fine, and starting easily. I started it the other day, and it ran for a couple seconds then stopped, as if the key had been switched off. As I started troubleshooting, I found no spark at the plugs or from the coil. It cranks easily, and I am getting fuel. Here is what I have done:

New cap, points, rotor, condensor(tried two new condensors), coil(X2), plugs, wire from coil to cap.

I have 6 volts from ground to thepositive side of the coil with the key on. (runs through resistor)
I have 6 volts across the coil with the key on.
I have a good ground to the condensor and points. The voltage from the coil to these check at 6 volts.

With the key in the run position, I can open the points by hand and get no spark.
I've run a direct wire from the battery to positive side of coil with no results.

Any suggestions on where to go next?
There is a Bosch relay on a smallbracket attached to the coil bracket. I've been unable to trace where the wires go. Any idea what this is? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[stevieray]

Re: No Spark

Try checking the shift cutout switch (on the throttle linkage plate - starboard side of engine - has a little roller activating it). It cuts the juice momentarily while shifting into gear under normal operation. It can go out of whack if the lower shift cable stretches & it will kill the ignition circuit when it should not be doing so. Move it a bit manually & see if it comes back to life.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: No Spark

[colour=blue]Hi Tcmers, welcome to iboats!!

Clean the points with something that evaporates - brakleen or carbclean does the job nicely. Spark plugs & points often are packaged in boxes, tear off a piece of the box, soak it in cleaning solution, rub the piece of cardboard inbetween the contacts, open the contacts to let them air dry.

Retest.

I don't think you have a shift cutout.

 

[tcmers]

Re: No Spark

Thanks for the input. I don't have a shift cutout that I can find. There are dual levers, not the single throttle/shift lever that my Mercruiser had, so I'm assuming the cutout isn't needed. I'll try cleaning the points. I cleaned the old set, but never thought to clean the new ones.