Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

[JayH2112]

Hi guys, looking at buying a 1997 Boston Whaler Rage, with the 175 Mercury sport jet. The owners (who I trust at this point) said they had it out yesterday and it ran great. Today we tried to do a test run and no spark. I tried the obvious such as messing with the kill switch, shifter, and ignition switch. Was wondering if you had any ideas. Would really like to get this boat but just can't do it without hearing it run.

I am still leaning towards to kill system but also think there is a chance it is the stator?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

Jay, First test is to disconnect the killer wire at the powerpacks, and see if spark returns. It should be black/yellow

Get on the CDI Electronics website and look up the troubleshooting test for that ignition.

 

[JayH2112]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

Thanks, I just might be able to figure that out. Pretty cool website.

 

[JayH2112]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

Ok was hoping I could get a little more input now that I have done some testing. I disconnected the kill circuit and also the rectifier and didn't see a change. Also cleaned up the grounds. However after disconnecting some of the cdms I got intermittent spark but never on the top two holes. Then it went away, but would come back a few times afterwards. Spark also seemed weak? I could never get the engine to actually pop even with intermittent spark. I am leaning towards stator at this point. Any more ideas?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

I recommend you go to the CDI Electronics web site and find the troubleshooting procedure for your ign system. Why do you want to guess?

 

[j_martin]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

Ok was hoping I could get a little more input now that I have done some testing. I disconnected the kill circuit and also the rectifier and didn't see a change. Also cleaned up the grounds. However after disconnecting some of the cdms I got intermittent spark but never on the top two holes. Then it went away, but would come back a few times afterwards. Spark also seemed weak? I could never get the engine to actually pop even with intermittent spark. I am leaning towards stator at this point. Any more ideas?

Jay,
The diagnostic procedure isolates the bad part(s) without spending money. If you don't understand the procedure, you're in over your head, in which case it would probably be cheaper to hire someone who does understand the procedure than throw parts at it.

The other factor not too often mentioned is when amateurs swap parts, they often accidentally put in an additional fault that makes troubleshooting really interesting.

Hope it helps
John

 

[JayH2112]

Re: Rage 175hp not sparking after running yesterday?

I recommend you go to the CDI Electronics web site and find the troubleshooting procedure for your ign system. Why do you want to guess?

Wasn't aware I was guessing. I already went to site like you said before and did most of the tests. Now that I have my multimeter I will test stator tomorrow.

Jay,
The diagnostic procedure isolates the bad part(s) without spending money. If you don't understand the procedure, you're in over your head, in which case it would probably be cheaper to hire someone who does understand the procedure than throw parts at it.

The other factor not too often mentioned is when amateurs swap parts, they often accidentally put in an additional fault that makes troubleshooting really interesting.

Hope it helps
John

Thanks for the input. I thought the site was to help people who didn't have the experience to know exactly what they were doing but wanted to at least try before paying a marina. I have swapped out quite a few stators (snowmobiles and outboards) in my time and haven't had a problem so far. Like I said, I do appreciate the input just thought it would be a little more directed toward my problem. The stator for this motor isn't that expensive and as long as I think I have a good chance thats it, I don't mind taking the shot.