1988 3.7L Mercruiser Not Starting

[wellcraftowner]

I have a 1988 3.7L Mercruiser that will not start. It is cranking but will not turnover. I tested for spark at the plugs, and it is not getting any spark. So i replaced the coil, and i still have the same problem. I checked and made sure that there was gas getting to my carb, and i have just rebuilt the carb as well. I am not sure what else to check. Any advice or ideas are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Bt Doctur]

check and adjust the points

 

[achris]

There's another 10c.

I get 10c for every coil that's replaced and doesn't fix a 'no spark' problem. I'm up to 3 million dollars. I just have to work out how to collect it. :facepalm:

 

[wellcraftowner]

I adjusted the points to .022" as specified on the engine. And it still will not start.

 

[achris]

Are the points clean? Are you getting voltage to the coil? It the rotor in place?

 

[wellcraftowner]

Points are clean. And I did not check to see if voltage is getting to the coil. I am starting to think it is an electrical issue.

 

[achris]

... it is not getting any spark. ...

.... I am starting to think it is an electrical issue.

Yep, it's probably am electrical issue...

 

[stonyloam]

OK, make sure you have voltage on the coil +. Remove the distributor cap and put a piece of insulating material ( plastic) between the points. Remove the center wire from the distributor and lay it close ( about 1/4 inch) to bare engine block metal. Take a short piece of insulated wire and jumper across the points. If you get a spark from the coil wire when you REMOVE the jumper, YOUR POINTS ARE BAD.

 

[nola mike]

Seems like you SHOULD get a spark when you remove the jumper?