Mercruiser 5.7 sparks twice then stops??

[CLi87]

Hey all,

The ongoing saga of my engine coupler fix...so I got everything put back together and went to crank the engine to start it, no dice I know compression is good and and i'm getting fuel, so I check for spark, I put an in-line spark tester on plug 1 and I see 2 sparks but then it just goes dead? I'm completely lost as to how I would get 2 sparks but then nothing? I have a mercruiser 5.7 with thunderbolt V ignition.

** Just checked in-line tester and now it sparks just once and then no more spark

 

[Bt Doctur]

What spark plugs are you using?

 

[CLi87]

Found the problem, I had disconnected the risers and shift assembly to move the engine, when I put it back together i'm not sure what happened but in neutral the shift assembly was engaging the shift interrupter switch. Does anyone know if the shift cable is supposed to be routed below the exhaust pipe or above it?

 

[Bt Doctur]

click to enlarge

 

[CLi87]

click to enlarge

Thanks!!