spark plugs

[soce009]

I have a 6cylinder 200 johnson, how can I check to see if all 6 are working. I tried pulling the wires on each plug one at a time while at idle. only 2 made the motor shut off, nothing happened with the other 4. how else can i check each cylinder, do i have to put it in gear??? i'm asking because boat runs on land but not underload, and i'm narrowing down problem almost ruling out bad fuel,pumps, etc... any help would be appreciated....thanks in advance

 

[almost retired again]

Re: spark plugs

Hi Soce009, <br />The best way is with a spark checker that you can plug all 6 wires into and adjust the sparky to the proper setting that the book calls for. Howver if you don't have one, or can't borrow one you can take each plug out and hold the metal to a good ground crank the engine and see if it sparks.(by the way the plug must be attached) The problem with this method is that you can get a very good shock, and even then you won't know if it will jump the proper gap. I think that I would borrow one or take the boat to a good marina and have them check your spark. That alone shouldn't cost much.<br />I don't know if this will help much, but that's my thoughts.Good luck