test for spark on 67 Merc Thunderbolt 500

[grew153owner]

I tried to start my motor today for the first time (I just bought the boat used a few months back). There doesn't seem to be any spark, and the only way I knew to check for this was remove a plug and crank the engine with the plug touching the engine frame.

The battery is brand new, and the starter seems to work fine. I tried the same test while cranking the engine by hand but no spark either that I can see. Where can I do to find out what's happening.....are there any basic tests I can try myself before I take it to a repair shop. The motor seems difficult pull over but I've never tried to start a 50hp enging by hand before. It is definitely in neutral and there is plenty of fuel as well.

With the battery connected are there any voltage tests I can do to see if voltage is going through the system.

When pulling over the engine by hand does the battery still need to be connected to start with the key in "on"?

 

[Laddies]

Re: test for spark on 67 Merc Thunderbolt 500

There must be a full charged battery hookrd up the ign. is battery powered. here's the test, do the arc test first.

 

[grew153owner]

Re: test for spark on 67 Merc Thunderbolt 500

Thank you Laddies, I just started the motor for the first time. The battery was the problem. I gave it a full charge and it fired up no problem. I appreciate the advice and this web site......it's great for rookies like myself.