Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

[perna00]

I've got a 96' force 120. It is a cdm system. I can't get any spark. I've gotten many new parts (trigger, stator, battery) with no luck. My safety switch (Black/yellow) is not getting grounded. Even tried disconnected. I was back at it today disconnecting the cdm packs and jumping the black & green/white wires to see if a pack was bad with no luck. I did notice that if I test the ground wires from the cdm packs where it bolts to the back plate of the ignition system; it will only be show continuity between another grounding bolt and the cdm's grounds for a split second and then slowly go down to no continuity. I'm thinking something is backfeeding to it. I tried adding another ground wire between another point and the cdm but it didn't do anything. It seems like something is slowly shorting or feeding it voltage (Maybe a capacitor in the cdm pack but can't figure it out) Can anyone help me? Thank you.

 

[john from md]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

Since you have no spark on any plug, and you have a CDM system, you need to look upstream of the CDM's. If your stator and trigger are good, the CDM's should be getting voltage.

Have you disconnected the Blk/yel wire from the ignition switch yet? Also, have you verified you have 12volts at the Red/ppl wire at the switch?

John

 

[perna00]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

John

Thanks for the info. I did test the red/purple and I do have +12. I tested and disconnected the safety wire with no luck as well. I added an extra ground wire to make sure all the wires had a solid ground. Still nothing. I thought the same way as you thinking that no spark was upstream, but upon reading the paperwork for it; it says that the cdm's are wires together with one another and if one goes bad or shorts out; the others won't charge/fire. I think I'm going to have to get them all tested. I don't have the harnesses/tools to test them. If you have any other info/advice I'd appreciate it.

 

[john from md]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

All you need to test them is a Digital Volt Meter, a DVA adapter and a manual. Since you already have the meter and manual, the DVA adapter cost $35 which is alot cheaper than any boat mechanic.

If you want one, here is a link. www.esitest.com

John

 

[perna00]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

The manual I have says that I have to have a special adapter harness to be able to test the coils as well as the tester. I was thinking of seeing if a shop will let me just taking the coils off of the plate and bringing them in to test. I just want to make sure that I checked every other option it could be before I throw my money away at a shop to say "They're good".

 

[john from md]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

You can do that but shop labor rates are usually $75 per hr on up. For $35, you can have the "special tool" (DVA adapter) to use and keep for future use.

John

 

[perna00]

Re: Voltage backfeed? No spark. Please help.

That is a good point. Thanks for all your help. It is appreciated.