1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

[mskof]

I have a 1997 Mercuriser 3.0 Alpha. It ran for about 10 minutes, long enough to get me from the launching ramp almost to my cottage dock. Then it died.
After paddling to my dock, I replaced the distribuer cap and condenser, then it started right up. Then, after about 10 seconds, it died. Then I cleaned the contact point at the top of the coil, reconected the ignition cable and it started again... then died after about 10 seconds... now I can't get it to start at all.
It turns over really well, but no spark.
I replaced the plugs and and ignition wires, but it still won't start, or spark.
I bench tested the ignition coil and it produces a spark through the spark plug when I ground the coil. However, with the coil on the engine, when I turn the key and attach a plug to the coil, there is no spark.
I have been told that this model of Mercuiser doesn't have points, so apparently that can't be the issue.
Does anyone have any advice?

 

[fat fanny]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

I own a 96 3.0LX and it has a EST ignition and believe that it was also available with the dds ignition and one other witch I can't remember. But I don'r believe it was available with points? I think your dealing with a dead short somewhere try going through all your electrical connections clean, lube and tighten ALL them it would also be prudent to do a continuity check on all leads going to and through your ignition system. Hope this helps there are also good troubleshooting tips @ the top of this forums in the adults only sticky you should be able to nail this down with a little but of paience and time.

 

[timfives]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

I have a 1997 Mercuriser 3.0 Alpha. It ran for about 10 minutes, long enough to get me from the launching ramp almost to my cottage dock. Then it died.
After paddling to my dock, I replaced the distribuer cap and condenser, then it started right up. Then, after about 10 seconds, it died. Then I cleaned the contact point at the top of the coil, reconected the ignition cable and it started again... then died after about 10 seconds... now I can't get it to start at all.
It turns over really well, but no spark.
I replaced the plugs and and ignition wires, but it still won't start, or spark.
I bench tested the ignition coil and it produces a spark through the spark plug when I ground the coil. However, with the coil on the engine, when I turn the key and attach a plug to the coil, there is no spark.
I have been told that this model of Mercuiser doesn't have points, so apparently that can't be the issue.
Does anyone have any advice?

Check your safety switches, they usually cut power to the coil. you may have a corroded connection in the shift safety switch in your throttle assembly.

Also check the purple wire feeding the coil when you turn the key to on. it should have power to it then.

T

t

 

[mskof]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

Thanks timfives and fat fanny I'll give your suggestions a try. I guess patience is the key... I was beginning to lose mine...

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

here is the link to the diagnostic, Thanks to Don S:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

 

[mskof]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

Thx BnB, those diagnostics seem to deal with starter issues. I have no issue with the starter as it cranks without a problem. It just doesn't provide a spark. Mind you, the schematic was helpful. Thanks.

 

[tschmidty]

Re: 1997 3.0 Mercruiser won't start, no spark.

Check the shift interrupt switch as well.