No spark

[mharringtion]

I have a 97 sea rayder with a 90 ho merc jet. Closed it up last year no issue, open it up after the winter and no spark. Charged battery power to all lights, starter, bilge... just won't start. Any ideas of what I should try first. I am new to boats especially inboards so please use layman terms. Thanks
Mike

 

[jeffdjpeat]

Re: No spark

possibly check the plugs by pulling them one by one and looking for spark, hold the plug close to metal so the spark can arc, try not to get shocked. change plugs and try again if that doesnt work, maybe the powerpacks for the plugs are toast. or could be a condesation issue, i have had that on an older outboard motor. but im no mechanic, checking the spark, and replacing the plugs would be a cheap step, powerpacks, im not sure the tech term maybe be a bit more expensive. if it turns over, and you have fuel going to the cylinder, then your into an electrical issue. are the plugs wet when you pull them, and smell like gas?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: No spark

Did you check your kill switch?

 

[86RajunCajun]

Re: No spark

Did you actually verify that you arent gettin spark or is that what you assume is causing it not to start?

There are numerous things that would cause it not to start and no spark is just 1 of em.

Start with the basics. Do a spark test if you havnt already to confirm thats the issue.

From there we have many branches of troubleshooting to complete.

If you did check for spark already and verified that is the actual problem, then whip out the multimeter and perform tests on all the ignition parts. Through that process you should be able to determine what item in that system is not doing its job.

If you dont already have a manual for your engine, get it. It is a mandatory item to have if you plan on really takin care of your engine. It should tell you everything you need to know about how to diagnose and repair your engine.

Rc

 

[mharringtion]

Re: No spark

I have verified no spark. The boat was buckled up in back yard before winter brought to drive way and would not start. It is getting fuel because I had to change fuel line. Strong smell of gas when attempting to start. Plugs are wet with fuel when taken out. Spark check of removing plugs and watching for arc indicates no spark. I am wondering about neutral safety switch on drive controller?

 

[film495]

Re: No spark

Check all the kill circuits. Depending on your wiring - you can disconnect the black wire with the yellow stripe from your ignition switch - and if the neutral/safety runs off the same connection, and the motor has spark - you have isolated the issue to the ground/magneto wiring.

NOTE - if you do this and the motor starts, you can not turn the motor off with the key, so have in mind a way to kill the motor or just do the spark test, but connect the kill back up before starting the motor.

 

[mharringtion]

Re: No spark

Thanks cadet, I will give it a shot as soon as the weather dries out. We actually had snow falling today.

Forgive me for my ignorance but if the the lanyard kill switch is working and you disconnect it I have no response from the ignition. Why wouldn't the neutral safety act in the same way?