1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

[PBancroft]

Thanks for looking. I have a 1975 115hp V-4. When I got this project I turned the motor over and only had spark on the #2 and #4 cylinders. I switched the coil wires on the power pack and got #1 and #3 to spark but 2 & 4 were now dead. I concluded that the coils were good. I then purchased and installed a new CDI power pack. Same problem. Next I switched the sensor wires on the power pack and the problem followed. I could produce spark on 1 & 3 or 2 & 4. I ordered a timer base (you can not just replace the sensors). Installed that last night, and guess what, spark on 2 & 4 but not 1 & 3. I have ran all the wires and have not found any cracked insulation or obvious shorts. The next thing to replace would be the stator, but from what I understand that just makes the power, it does not switch where it goes. Short of taking it to my local mechanic to have everything tested, is there anyway of trouble shooting this? I am getting very frustrated. Thanks again for checking this out, any help would be appreciated.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

take read here http://www.boatpartstore.com/page30.asp

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

You may want to recheck the wiring to the screw connectors against the attached chart.

Have you contacted CDI support?

Are you following the troubleshooting steps in CDI guide guide?

http://cdielectronics.com/InstallSheet/113-1731.pdf

 

[PBancroft]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

tashasdaddy - I do not own a DVA tester. But I try the voltage outputs suggested. The lack of a tester is why I would need to bring it to a shop.

ezeke - I performed the trouble shooting outlined in the CDI guide. I swapped coil wires and sensor wires. Depending on where I put the wires I can move the spark to any two cylinders. So I am assuming the coils and power pack are good and the timer base should be bad. That is why I am so confused with a brand new timer base I do not have spark.

I have read about moving the sensors toward the crank but these sensors are fixed with screws. They are not adjustable. The mounting plate does not have slotted holes. What triggers the timing base/sensors? Could it be something in the flywheel?

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

The center magnets that control in the flywheel are in two pieces. One break is just left of the keyway if you look at it from the bottom, the other break is directly opposite that one.

 

[PBancroft]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

Thanks for the tips guys. I have all the pages printed out and will try them this afternoon. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

The sensors are adjustable; they need to be set within the specified range of the center magnets on the flywheel. Be sure that they do not actually contact the flywheel after the final adjustment. Some instructions are on page 30 et seq., here: http://www.outboardignition.com/page30.asp

 

[PBancroft]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

I ran the the tests outlined in the Boatpartstore and Outboard Ignition books as well as the CDI trouble shooting page that I could perform with a standard voltage meter. I will have to take it to my local shop to have the DVA test done later today. Everything fell in the ranges it should have except, I still don't have spark on 1 & 3. I have a feeling that the mechanic is going to tell me stator is bad. I've already thrown away over $300 on parts that did not need to be replaced. I let you guys know what happens next.

 

[PBancroft]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

So I went through all the steps in the troubleshooting pages that I could with a regular multimeter, and everything came out correct. I do not have a DVA tester so I could not check those levels. I got frustrated and sent the motor off to the mechanic. He tested it and found out he sold me a faulty timer base. So he replaced it and now we have spark on all 4 cylinders!! Next is to tear down the carbs and get them cleaned up before we try to start it. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 1975 115hp, No spark on cyl 1 &3

Hopefully you still have the "old" power pack... you might be able to sell the new one.