Compression test with no kill switch

[sterios]

I have a 1991 Merc 200 hp and i'd like to do a compression test. From what i've read it sais to pull the cord on the kill switch to disable the ignition but my boat has no kill switch. Upon further reading it sais to 'ground' the spark plug wires to the block. How do I ground these wires? Is there a special tool I can use to geround all six wires? Would anyplace on the block do for a ground? Thanks

 

[mrallen007]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

You have the same year model Merc I do, just quite a few more horses. The newer Mercs have posts on the back of the engine block that you can plug your plug wires into. They basically look like the business end of a spark plug sticking out of the engine block. Mine does not have those but yours might. Look for those. If you have them you can plug your plug wires onto those to ground them to the block.

If you don't have those then you'll need to come up with another way. I bought several large alligator clips. You can create a lead for each cylinder that has such a clip on each end. One end would clip to the threads of the plug and the other end would clip somewhere to the engine block. I'll be building them soon to do compression testing and timing.

I'm surprised you don't have a kill switch. I would think it would be a bit more like mine being the same year model and all. I'm afraid I can't answer that part of your question...

 

[sterios]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

Thanks for the info. I'll take a look for those posts today. When you say clip the lead to the plugs would i be better off taking the plugs off the leads and and grounding the leads to the block some how? Thanks

 

[phebus1]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

I just leave the plug wires hooked to the plugs (plugs out) and bunch all the bases together and wrap them with a rubber band. Then I just run a gound lead off that and secure it to the block. Quick, cheap and easy.

 

[sterios]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

Thanks phebus1. That sounds easier and i'll give it a try.

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

No kill switch?Or you can't find it?What control box you got?If you don't have one,that's what you should be organizing before anything else.

 

[sterios]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

It's a Quicksilver Double Billet that came with the boat from the factory. no kill switch anywhere

 

[jigmister]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

much to often people are ejected from the boat without wearing a kill switch.
They float in the water with thier life jackets on as the boat runs in circles and in a few minutes runs them over leaving them dead.
Happens on my water every season.
get a kill switch and become in the habbit of wearing it. Please

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Compression test with no kill switch

Sterios, Just leave the ign switch off and jumper the starter solenoid, to check the compression.