no spark

Rosskamp

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2004
Messages
6
I have an 87 mercruiser 3.0. I just installed a sierra electronic ingnition kit with diodes and resistors as required in the directions to replace the points system. Engine started and ran good twice, for about 5 min each time. Third try a couple hours later there is no spark... any ideas?
 

hoot

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
434
Re: no spark

put the points/condensor back in and try it.
 

Rosskamp

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2004
Messages
6
Re: no spark

with ignition on I had 12.6 to pos. when grounded to engine. I had 8.6 to neg with ignition on.
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: no spark

You'll need to test the secondary circuit and the coil, and then perhaps the primary circuit.<br /><br />It's too lengthy to type out all the diagnostic right here, but you should be able to get the steps in a mercruiser manual or automotive manual. Just because it's a lot for me to type, doesn't mean its difficult and time consuming. With a simple volt/continuity meter, you should be able to run through the diagnostic in an hour. Having just done this myself, be sure to check simple things first, since something occured while the electronic ig was installed. Check fuses, burnt wire that might be grounding, reset master circuit breaker (if equipped), etc. Then proceed with check of coil, a very simple three or four step process outlined in all Mercruiser manuals. The 3.0 ig system is not very complex, chnaces are its very simple, probably something got toasted, tripped or disconnected.
 

rattana

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 12, 2003
Messages
413
Re: no spark

Do you have any voltage at the coil when you are cranking?
 

hoot

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 8, 2002
Messages
434
Re: no spark

pull a plug wire. hold close to engine for ground(not carb) . crank over engine. watch for spark. no spark could mean bad coil or path to ground. check kill switch. check for tripped circuit breaker or fuse(s). probably something simple but a bear to find.
 

Rosskamp

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2004
Messages
6
Re: no spark

Thanx for the advice guys. Had an extra coil laying around, put it on and it tried to fire,set the points a lil tighter and vavoom....put old coil on, and it fired as well. Think I'll stick with points for now, still dont know why I lost spark with the electronic conversion though.
 

metwrench

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 16, 2003
Messages
86
Re: no spark

RR, Just an FYI on something I ran into one time. <br /><br />I added the Presto set up to a Boat and The same things was going on, Boat would run Excellent for about 10 Min, Then sputter, then Shut down and wouldnt restart. Guy Changed the coil, Boat started and Did the same Routine again ( Fried another Coil )<br /><br />Some coils are Designed for 9volt and some 12 Volt. HE had the 9 Volt and didnt run a Ballast Resistor to lower the Voltage, so he Cooked Coils. <br /><br />Just an FYI on this one...
 

MrBill

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 4, 2002
Messages
710
Re: no spark

Resistance wire from pos side of coil?? Is baot so eqipped, if so is probably overheat causing choke malfunction.
 
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