Troubles with 8HP

[Kissdude]

So I’ve replaced the switch box on my 8 hp Mercury outboard and now have spark, compression and fuel to the carb. When I try and pulls start the motor does nothing, not even try at all to start.. any ideas? Thanks

 

[racerone]

Switch plug wires.

 

[Kissdude]

Switch plug wires.

I have done that and nothing, doesn’t even try to start

 

[racerone]

Check flywheel key.

 

[Jeff J]

Fuel mixture is the first thing that comes to my mind. Fuel to the carb isn’t worth much if it’s not letting a combustable mixture through it.

 

[Kissdude]

Fuel mixture is the first thing that comes to my mind. Fuel to the carb isn’t worth much if it’s not letting a combustable mixture through it.

Can I try a shot of starter fluid?

 

[racerone]

Remove sparkplugs.-----Put 6 drops of gasoline in each cylinder.----Install sparkplugs.-----Try and start the motor.----Report what happens.

 

[Jeff J]

Racerone has the better/safer idea. Starter fluid can be little dynamic for my tastes.

 

[Kissdude]

Remove sparkplugs.-----Put 6 drops of gasoline in each cylinder.----Install sparkplugs.-----Try and start the motor.----Report what happens.

I’ve added the six drops and nothing, won’t start

 

[Kissdude]

I’ve added the six drops and nothing, won’t start

I'm wondering if maybe the lanyard switch is giving me issues, i wired the new switch box but not 100% sure how those go in?

 

[racerone]

You have no spark , weak spark or spark at the wrong time.

 

[Kissdude]

I have good spark on both when I pull start

 

[Kissdude]

I have good spark on both when I pull start

Can you start these motors without the safety switch?

 

[racerone]

With a few drops of fuel in the cylinders the motor should BARK / ROAR like a dog or a lion.----You have no spark , weak spark or spark at the wrong time !!

 

[Kissdude]

I’m sorry, not sure what you mean. I have the spark test lights and when I pull start they light up on each one. I put 6 drops of gas in, pulled a few times and nothing happened. How do I know or fix spark at the wrong time?

 

[racerone]

Glowing light spark testers will fool you.----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" on both leads , yes or no ?----Easy to make a simple tester with some wire , glue and cardboard.

 

[Kissdude]

Glowing light spark testers will fool you.----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" on both leads , yes or no ?----Easy to make a simple tester with some wire , glue and cardboard.

I also had plugs out and grounded them, yes I have good spark. I need to know how the safety circuit works or if I can start it without that hooked up. It doesn’t fire at all

 

[racerone]

See post #14.----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" , yes or no??-----The safety circuit prevents spark.----If you answer the questions you will only help yourself.------Or hurry and visit a shop to help you !

 

[Kissdude]

See post #14.----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" , yes or no??-----The safety circuit prevents spark.----If you answer the questions you will only help yourself.------Or hurry and visit a shop to help you !

yes spark jumps a gap of 3/8" so, what now?

 

[Kissdude]

yes spark jumps a gap of 3/8" so, what now?

I was only asking about the safety circuit cause if you see post # 10 I said I wasn't sure how those work.