what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

[Dmaxx85]

Iv e got a 1991 volvo penta 230a. and it wont run . replaced rotor, plugs, wires. The cap looked ok but not perfect haven't checked the coil, but i am getting spark from one plug should i be checking all plugs? Not sure what the spark should look like?????? Its kind of like a blue small spark and a little jumpy. Anyone think it should look different? When i turn it over it getting fuel but wont really run when i give it throttle with the starter cranking it pretty much runs and i can control the but with the starter cranking once i disengage the the motor turns right off...Any ideas ????? Help Please!!!!!!!

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

put a jumper from the hot post on your battery to the + side of the coil and try it. Let us know what happened.

 

[dgarner]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

Your spark look is fine and strength is fine. Check a couple other spark plugs for proper spark. Could be a timing issue if it only runs with starter engaged. With what lyle is telling you to do is bypassing the power from ignition switch as this could be only appling power to coil during starting. So put a direct 12 volts to the positive side of the igntion coil and try starting again.

 

[Dmaxx85]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

Ok so i took 12 volts directly from the battery and now it will run with the starter disengaged, not very well it kinda runs rough pops out the exhaust once in awhile and will not idle and stay running. So first thing Whats the problem with the coil? I checked the volts at the coil and i have 12 DC volts but still wont run unless i have the jumper coming from the battery directly to the coil. SO what does this actually mean? Then could my timing be off???? or could i have a plug wire mixed up? I dont have a manual so obviously need to get one asap. But any info would be great . thanks

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

one thing at a time. If it runs with the jumper you have a bad ignition circuit. Could be the key switch. check for 12 volts in the on position at the back of the switch.

Now I think your in the tune up phase. check your firing order and timing,

 

[Dmaxx85]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

Ok seems like that could be the problem i will check the ignition switch in the morning. Where can i find the firing order for a 1991 volvo penta 230 a???? Actually i think i saw the firing order on motor i think it was 1324. Could be wrong. Now Would cylinder 1 be the first one on the front of the motor? then how do i know which plug on the cap to hook into???? And as far as timing i really dont know where to begin?

 

[Dmaxx85]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

Checked my ignition switch and i have three wires going to it, Red (Battery), Yellow (ignition), and Purple (acc?) whatever acc is?... I have 12 DC volts at the red battery terminal. When i turn the get to the start position i have 12 volts going to the yellow ignition wire but when i turn the key to the on position or (run position) I have no votls not that the boat fired up this am but still in the on position i should have 12 volts either way. So does this mean i Have a bad ignition switch???? Its looking that way to me. Where can i find an ignition switch for my 3 wires system????

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: what should my spark look like coming from my plug?

might have a wire wrong. We know the battery "B" terminal is fine. when you turn the key to on you should get 12 volts on the 'I" terminal. If not the switch is bad. when you turn to start "S " terminal should be 12 volts. check the letters on the back of your switch as well as your wire colors. Most start wires are yellow. I boats sells the switch.