bruchester
Cadet
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2013
- Messages
- 24
A 73 1150 inline six (s/n 3527319) Thunderbolt ignition just won't fire-need some troubleshooting guidance. As detailed as I can be.....
Here's what I've done so far:
1.most wires very ratty, so have replaced as much as possible. It appears that one, at least, coming from the harness, inside lower cowl is questionable, but I believe its serving its purpose and don't think its the prob. Two wires going to the top and under the flywheel were repaired with new wires up as far as I could go, where they enter the 'grommet' at flywheel they were in pretty poor shape and very close together-could be an issue. Wasn't ready to remove flywheel as to screw up timing and not knowing if what I found under there would be repairable.
2. first thing I checked was distributor cap and rotor. Inside of cap was damp and grungy, but cleaned up pretty well. Rotor was fair, but did show some minor burnt on one of the two 'tines'. Trigger disc above cap was covered in green oxidation (its copper, I surmise), so I used a razor blade and fine sand paper to clean up pretty well. To get the top of the disc, I slipped the fine sand-paper in and did the best I could while rotating the flywhee to spin it around a bit.-HOPE THIS DIDN'T CAUSE DAMAGE OR A DUMB MOVE!
3. Engine cranks well with starter fully functioning. Had my buddy checking for spark and while cranking has, basically none in what, I sense should be a regular spark. Plug will generate a sloppy, weak spark when 'clicking' ignition on to off while trying to fire.
4. Had to open the MerControl as it was jammed up and noticed some rotten wires tucked way down in there. Haven't repaired them yet, as it seems to be engaging the starter and choke well enough to believe its not shorting out in there-but question whether this could be an issue with getting it to fire-I believed not-but expert might know better.
5. Tried to test the coil using Clymer manual, but a rookie using my multi-meter and wasn't too sure of results. My pal will be bringing his meter that he knows how to use to run this test again.
Can't think of where next. Motor ran strong and reliable all last season, rectifier has been replaced about two years ago-not sure that would be the issue anyway.
All help and advice welcome and appreciated!
bruchester
Pittsburgh, 72 Glastron V173 Bayflite w/73 Merc 1150-6
Here's what I've done so far:
1.most wires very ratty, so have replaced as much as possible. It appears that one, at least, coming from the harness, inside lower cowl is questionable, but I believe its serving its purpose and don't think its the prob. Two wires going to the top and under the flywheel were repaired with new wires up as far as I could go, where they enter the 'grommet' at flywheel they were in pretty poor shape and very close together-could be an issue. Wasn't ready to remove flywheel as to screw up timing and not knowing if what I found under there would be repairable.
2. first thing I checked was distributor cap and rotor. Inside of cap was damp and grungy, but cleaned up pretty well. Rotor was fair, but did show some minor burnt on one of the two 'tines'. Trigger disc above cap was covered in green oxidation (its copper, I surmise), so I used a razor blade and fine sand paper to clean up pretty well. To get the top of the disc, I slipped the fine sand-paper in and did the best I could while rotating the flywhee to spin it around a bit.-HOPE THIS DIDN'T CAUSE DAMAGE OR A DUMB MOVE!
3. Engine cranks well with starter fully functioning. Had my buddy checking for spark and while cranking has, basically none in what, I sense should be a regular spark. Plug will generate a sloppy, weak spark when 'clicking' ignition on to off while trying to fire.
4. Had to open the MerControl as it was jammed up and noticed some rotten wires tucked way down in there. Haven't repaired them yet, as it seems to be engaging the starter and choke well enough to believe its not shorting out in there-but question whether this could be an issue with getting it to fire-I believed not-but expert might know better.
5. Tried to test the coil using Clymer manual, but a rookie using my multi-meter and wasn't too sure of results. My pal will be bringing his meter that he knows how to use to run this test again.
Can't think of where next. Motor ran strong and reliable all last season, rectifier has been replaced about two years ago-not sure that would be the issue anyway.
All help and advice welcome and appreciated!
bruchester
Pittsburgh, 72 Glastron V173 Bayflite w/73 Merc 1150-6
