140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

[Lundlubber2]

Hi all,
Went to start my boat yesterday on the muffs, and it wouldn't start. It's been sitting in storage all season (long story!) and was still winterized from last year. Engine turns over fine, and I have fuel, but when I checked for spark there was nothing.

Didn't see any loose wires, and I'm hoping someone can give me some suggestions on what might cause this , and where I should start looking. I don't see any loose or corroded connections, and the boat started fine...last year!

Thanks,
Bob

PS Boat is an 1985 Century bowrider

 

[thumpar]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

Check for voltage at the coil with key on.

 

[achris]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

Start with a multimeter. Check for voltage on the + side of the coil with the key ON. Then check the points haven't glazed over. Also check for open circuit coil or a shorted capacitor (sorry, condenser to non-electronics people)... Disconnect the tacho at the coil -, and the shift interrupt switch.

Have the manual for the engine? You say it's a 1985 boat, but what year is the engine?

Chris......

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

One of your inquisitive curtain climbers (children) pull the kill switch lanyard perhaps?

 

[achris]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

One of your inquisitive curtain climbers (children) pull the kill switch lanyard perhaps?

On an 1985 Mercruiser? I don't think so....

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

If you have voltage to the coil, then Points, points, points.....

 

[ziggy]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

Then check the points haven't glazed over.

then Points, points, points

yep, yep, yep. my boat didn't start right up this season at end of winter layup. emery clothed the points and viola... she fired right up. points were replaced (minor tune up follows finding out that it'll run). i emery cloth as many connections as i can separate easily prior to spring start up. ya'd be amazed as to how much shiner the connections are after the emery cloth. the corrosion or glazing removed can't be good for making good electrical connections.

 

[Lundlubber2]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

You guys nailed it!. Hard to believe, but I simply cleaned the points, pulled off a spark plug wire and stuck an old spark plug in it to hold near ground and check for spark.... used a remote start switch on the solenoid and BAM! Darn thing fired up and scared the CRAP out of me!!

It's amazing to me that just a little glaze or whatever on the points can actually cause a no spark condition.

I'll know NEXT time!!

Thanks all,
Bob

 

[current_obsession]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

I was tired of this same problem with my boat so I swapped it over the electronic ignition. Found a kit on ebay for $50. I've run it for 3 seasons now and never any problems, plus its much easier to start.

 

[achris]

Re: 140 mercruiser i/o has no spark after storage

...It's amazing to me that just a little glaze or whatever on the points can actually cause a no spark condition....

Glad to hear it fixed... The 'glazing' is just oxide on the point surface. It doesn't conduct electrickery, so no spark...

Chris.......