Mercruiser 5.0 TBI Bravo III suddenly no spark

b4tn

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Joined
Jun 4, 2017
Messages
29
I recently purchased a 2000 Searay 210 with a Merc 5.0. Before purchasing I went for a 45 minute ride, looked it all over and all was good. the Family and I had it out for almost 8 ours starting and stopping multiple times with no issue, It fired on a dime. I took it home, hooked up the muffs once again no issues firing and let it run for 30 minutes to flush (brackish water) then parked it. A couple days later we took it to the marina and it will turn, the fuel pump primes, All looks well but it wont fire. I did some troubleshooting and the distributor cap looks almost new with no corrosion, the rotor turns, the coil is getting 12 volts and tested out fine compared to another regarding resistance. I am getting fuel just no spark from the wires or the coil plug. I am at a loss.
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
Messages
19,010
Lanyard may have come loose? If the boat has one . . .

Check to see if the throttle/shifter is really in neutral.

If you can, let us know the serial number of the engine . . . that may help seeing exactly what engine model you have, etc.
 

b4tn

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Jun 4, 2017
Messages
29
I ill double check the lanyard again but if it was off would it even turn over? Where do I go about getting the serial number?
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
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I ill double check the lanyard again but if it was off would it even turn over? Where do I go about getting the serial number?

If lanyard is in the OFF position it will crank but not fire. The lanyard switch is the man-overboard switch. It should be attached to the driver so if he goes overboard it kills the motor.

The serial number is on top the motors cowling or flame arrestor. If not there look above the starter, there should be a Merc ID plate
 

b4tn

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Joined
Jun 4, 2017
Messages
29
Got going. Turned out to be the coil. Even though it tested out fine I decided to just put in a new one and is firing again.
 
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