need help with ignition system PLEASE !

Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
26
I have a 1987 v4 115hp precesion blend that isn't getting spark to the #1 cylinder and very little to the # 3. # 1 coil is brand new. I have a little knowledge of how the system works but I would love to get some pointers of what could be causing this problem and how to test each component so that I can get back on the water.


thanks in advance.

SEMPER FI
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: need help with ignition system PLEASE !

I doubt your description is accurate.
what spark tester are you using?
which DVA type multimeter are you using for CDI output?
do a forum search for a home made spark tester if you need one.
simply pulling a plug wire and noting engine speed reaction is a waste of time.
 
Joined
Oct 26, 2006
Messages
26
Re: need help with ignition system PLEASE !

So Rodbolt Are You Telling Me That If I Pull The Number 1 Plug And Ground It And I Don't See Any Spark This Means Nothing. I'm Confused! Shouldn't It At Least Spark. I Have No Spark I Changed The Wire On The Input Side Of The Cdi Between 1 And 2 And Nothing Happened. I Then Put Them Back And Switched 1 And 2 On The Out Put Side Of The Cdi And # 2 Had No Spark. Sounds To Me Like My Cdi Is Bad But If There May Be No Spark Then I'm Back A Square 1. Help Me Out Here It Seems You Know A Lot About This Subject.
 

99yam40

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 7, 2008
Messages
9,128
Re: need help with ignition system PLEASE !

Build or buy a spark board and DVA, buy a manual for your motor and start troubleshooting like the procedures say in the manual and it will tell you where the problem is.
People will help out if you have problems but will not type out all the instructions and every step
You can do forum searches on your motor model and see what you can find but it is easier to get a manual for the motor you have.
 

stylesabu

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
849
Re: need help with ignition system PLEASE !

I was an auto tech for 23 years, cars are a lot more complicated than boats and thier motors. Ist thing I did was purchase a factory manual for my motor. I sugest you do the same, plus the better you get to understand how everything works the less trouble you'll have on the water.
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: need help with ignition system PLEASE !

what I am saying is that your V4 CDI ign system is basic simple and reliable.
its also about the easiest system to trouble shoot.
make a home made spark tester,do a forum search, gap must be 7\16ths.
then you will need a peak reading multimeter or a digital meter with a DVA adapter.
seirra(napa stores) sells the mercury equivalent analog style meter with a DVA function for about 119 dollars.
then with the plugs out and a good battery check charge coil outbut voltage,check pulser coil out put voltages then test CDI outputs and compare them with the numbers in the tuneup spec guide or your service manual.when you do resistance tests also make sure you test for shorts to ground on the pulsers and charge coils.
cylinders 1&3 use one pulser and 2&4 use the other.
its possible to lose 1 trigger input and lose a cylinder.
testing can be complete in about 15 minutes.
 
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