Ignition problem with '87 3cyl 75hp Mariner

[shags72]

I will try and be brief and to the point
I found spark in only one cylinder
Found corroded and broken wires on trigger so replaced
still only one cylinder sparking
found trigger only coming from middle post of ignition module
switched trigger wires and coil wires around and found that only spark would come out of middle post
replaced module.
low spark all cylinders
frustrated left battery charger on for about an hour
for giggles hit starter and it fired up
put muffs on and it ran great for 10-15 minutes.
took to the lake and it wouldn't run
no dva but checked resistance of stator and found out of spec, (can't remember specs or reading but out)
contemplating replacing stator and or rectifier
I figure I would ask before buying for information or things to check. Thanks in advance!

 

[racerone]

Here is a brief reply.------Slow cranking means you will have " poor spark "------Replacing parts does get expensive.-----So inspection is the way to go.------Load test your battery.-------Inspect all wiring and battery connections.---------Pull starter apart and ohm check the armature an install new brushes if needed.

 

[shags72]

I will check all of these things this weekend. Though when I was working on it I didn't think it was cranking slow. Thanks for your help.

 

[racerone]

Yours is a very common reply to the suggestion of motor cranking slow.--------I always suggest that people do some simple and no cost testing / trouble shooting.------The big clue here is that motor started fine after battery was put on charger.--------Motor ran fine.--------Then later it would not start.------Possibly the battery is not holding a charge. Many places will do a load test for free !!!

 

[shags72]

Sick all weekend so hopefully get to looking at it tomorrow.

 

[shags72]

I am sorry for the long wait for the reply been working and working on the boat. I checked the batteries which were not bad but low on charge. I charged the batteries for 2 days and when I went to start I tried to put it in throttle only on the muffs and it wouldn't go into that mode. I then tried to start in neutral, It would start but not stay running which I wasn't surprised because it really hadn't ran in a few years now. So I throttled it at the engine and it fired and ran really good. I dug into the throttle/gear control and fixed the throttle only problem, which was a broken throttle only button shaft. I didn't like that experience I'll tell you what. I then started it again on the muffs and ran great. Took it to the lake and it ran across the lake at 39mph and seemed to run good. 87 tx175 basstracker. I only got to run it for about 20 minutes but ran great. I will take it out again this weekend to ensure it is running good. I want to thank you for the help and again sorry for the late reply.