Mercruiser will not start

[Kelleyinsc]

I am trying to repair a 3.0 litre mercruiser i/o. I cannot seem to get fire from beyond the ignition coil. I have voltage to the + side of the coil but cannot get a spark from coil to distributor cap. The coil has been replaced today. I know enough about engines to get me it trouble but if I am not mistaken, if I take the wire off and hold it close to the contacts in the coil and or dist, it should spark...right? Please help!!

 

[rattana]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

Does it have points in the distributor?

 

[Kelleyinsc]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

yes, dist looks good...

 

[Kelleyinsc]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

how can I make sure the points are installed correctly?

 

[rattana]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

If you take the cap off the distributor you will notice that the shaft that the rotor sits on has high points on it. The points will open and close depending where they ride on the shaft as it turns. The opening should be about .020" at the high point and closed on the low point. It needs this opening and closing to make a spark.<br />The high tension lead from the coil should spark if you turn the engine over while holding the lead about 1/4" from the block. Use a pair of gloves so you don't get a shock.

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

Personally, I use a very long pair of PLASTIC pliers. Really hate those belts!!

 

[record hunter]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

I have turned the engine over until those points are closed then turn on the ignition go and open the points with a screwdriver you should see a spark between the points this will tell you that you have spark at the points another good reason why you should go to electronic points .I did in my boat and am happy

 

[BMDODGE]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

the points could be "stuck" together if it hasn't run for awhile... open them and run some 100 grit sandpaper through them, if it fires up then i would change the points.. bruce

 

[Kelleyinsc]

Re: Mercruiser will not start

Thanks for all the help! It appears that the points were stuck together!! Running like a top now!