no spark, where to start trouble shooting

[thornbg]

I have a 69 Johnson 85hp I just bought recently at auction. I was told that it did run, however I was not able to see it run at the time of sale. I was however able to get it started in the driveway. When I did put it in the lake it wouldn't start. I have checked for spark at the plugs and there is none. I am new to owning a boat and lack any expierence working on them. Where should I start to trouble shoot the problem.

 

[DJ]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Look for a fuse near the starter. It may be in an electrical connector that looks like a wire splice.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

It is cranking on the starter, but no spark -right? What did you do to the boat & motor between the driveway & the lake?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

you need a manual, they sell here at iboats for about 26 bucks...<br /><br />best 26 dollars youll ever spend on that boat

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Originally posted by ledgefinder:<br /> It is cranking on the starter, but no spark -right? What did you do to the boat & motor between the driveway & the lake?

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Originally posted by ledgefinder:<br /> It is cranking on the starter, but no spark -right? What did you do to the boat & motor between the driveway & the lake?

The only thing I did was change the oil in the lower end with gear lubricant.

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Originally posted by Middleground:<br /> ledgefinder said:<br /><br />"It is cranking on the starter, but no spark -right? What did you do to the boat & motor between the driveway & the lake?"<br /><br /> Besides possibly ruin the waterpump impeller? If you started that engine in the driveway, and the lower unit up to the water intake wasn't in the water, or you didn't have muffs on it, you almost cetainly ruined the water pump impeller. Replace it before you take the boat out again, regardless of how you cure the "no spark" problem. NEVER run an outboard- even for a few seconds - out of the water.<br /><br />Middleground

I did have ear muffs on. I started it about 4 times only for about 15 sec. at a time.

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

I have ordered a manual, should have it in about a week. Solec, I thing is the name of it. I hope it's pretty comprehensive

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Look for a fuse near the starter. It may be in an electrical connector that looks like a wire splice.

There is a fuse in the back near a wire lug assemby. It's a round automotive type, 30 amp.

 

[thornbg]

Re: no spark, where to start trouble shooting

Well I got my manual and went through the ignition trouble shooting guide, the bottom line was that the amplifier was bad. I purchased an automotive coil and condenser from a junk yard, I removed the amplifier and coil and installed the automotive coil and condenser. I also increased the point gap from .010 to .016. I've had the boat out several times since and it runs like a champ. My question is/was this a good or bad idea? Is there safety concerns? should this be some sort of marine grade ignition?