Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

[wet dog]

1990 120hp Force L-Drive.<br />#1 cylinder has problems getting spark occassionlly; using one of those spark testers where you can see the spark. It happens at idle and full throttle intermittantly. I'm wondering if it could be grounding out somewhere or if it is a bad coil or CD unit. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

It could be as simple as a bad plug wire, or coil wire. You can try running it at night in the dark with the hood off, see if it is arcing somewhere. You can also coat all the wires with spray silicone and see if it helps. This is not a fix, but should help to locate the problem. If it helps, then replace the wires.

 

[wet dog]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

with these sypmtoms, any chance it could be the CD unit?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

Yes it could be. But electronics are not my strong point and I do not have the knowledge on how to troubleshoot the ignition system. I was trying to start with what would be the easiest and cheapest to test and fix.<br /><br />I'm kind of suprised someone else didn't chime in and suggest testing the CD unit.<br /><br />The best bet would be to get a Clymers shop manual, it has a section on how to test the system. I'd pass the info on to you but my manual is in the boat, at the cabin.<br /><br />You could try posting another topic , Testing cd module, or testing ignition system.<br /><br />Have you tried searching the archives here?<br />Keep us posted if you find the problem.

 

[wet dog]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

I do have a manual and can try those tests. It's strange though; I had it out yesterday and it ran fine, spark was good the entire time. The other thing I can't figure out is lowering RPMs. It's a newly rebuilt engine and, after break-in, it ran about 5400 RPMs max at about 38 MPH. The last couple times it really won't get above 4800-4900 and about 34MPH.

 

[wet dog]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

I do have a manual and can try those tests. It's strange though; I had it out yesterday and it ran fine, spark was good the entire time. The other thing I can't figure out is lowering RPMs. It's a newly rebuilt engine and, after break-in, it ran about 5400 RPMs max at about 38 MPH. The last couple times it really won't get above 4800-4900 and about 34MPH.

 

[wet dog]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

 

[wet dog]

Re: Force spark problems on #1 cylinder

Does anyone know if occassionally missing at fully throttle could be a symptom of the CD unit or coil? It seems to happen more after the engine has been running a while. To me it seems like a fuel problem, but I've recently taken the carbs apart and cleaned them.