Help...Merc 140 won't start

[Valv]

I have a 1979 Merc 140 OB. Motor runs great (or used to until yesterday). I replaced the remote control with a different one which doesn't have key switch. Control works fine, neutral switch is right, t&t switch work properly. I installed another key switch, with push choke. I connected wires as I was supposed....now I have no spark. There is a Red wire wich is positive from battery and rectifier, a orange which stays on when keys is turned (goes to powerpacks) and a yellow one which trough neutral switch goes to starter, a gray which activate choke. Brown wire to tach has been disconnected, black wire (ground disconnected) white wire (disconnected). I don't understand where it could be the problem. Motor cranks like a charm, but no spark at all. Can anybody explain better than Chilton diagram how it works ? I did the dumb thing to cut wires too close to old switch and I cannot see where they were connected. Please help, fishing season is almost over and I'd like to spend one or two more weekend catching walleyes..<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />Val

 

[12Footer]

Re: Help...Merc 140 won't start

Remove the orange wire. It is to go to the stop position on the switch. With this wire grounded, you will have no spark.<br />But be sure to have it going to the stop terminal of the switch, as you won't be able to shut it off,unless you run it outta gas, which is not recommended (bad on the engine).

 

[Valv]

Re: Help...Merc 140 won't start

12Footer consider yourself kissed on the mouth Yes spark is back !!!! I had the orange connected to On with positive going in. Thank godness I didn't blow up the packs. Now I just have to find out where the orange go in the switch to shut motor off. Or maybe I'll let it run until gas runs out so I'll have an excuse to stay fishing... <br /><br />Thank you very much again, I love this forum.<br /><br />Val

 

[12Footer]

Re: Help...Merc 140 won't start

LOL. Yes, that's a good excuse to stay out fishin! <br />Take a continuity checker or ohmeter,and find the terminal on the switch that has continuity to ground (the black terminal)with the switch in "OFF" position,amd zero continuity (open)in "ON". Thats the one that gets the orange.<br />In fewer werdz, the orange connects to black when you turn the key off.<br />BTW, you aint got cooties,do ya?

 

[Valv]

Re: Help...Merc 140 won't start

Thanks 12footer, that's exactly what I did. I thought orange was + to ignition when key is ON (kinda like cars). When I read your reply I jumped out to unhook battery....I thought I blew the "cheapy" powerpacks.<br />Boat runs fine now but walleyes haven't landed on it yet. <br /><br />Thanks again, I owe you.<br /><br />Val