no spark

[MCDOUGAL52]

hi i new to the board and have a few questions. I have a aq125a volvo and yesterday i checked the spark and it was good. Today i go to check it nothin. I changed the spark plugs and the coil. The fuses were looked good and i havent changed the distributor cap. If that doesnt work, what would be the problem? Thanks in advance<br /><br />ps-where can i get a set of wires for this thing?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: no spark

Welcome to iboats forum, McDougal. Ya need to take first things first. Check with key on, to see if you have at least 9v TO the coil. Then check to see if you have 12 volts while the starter is cranking. If that all checks out, pull the coil wire, at the distrib, and hold it about 1/4 inch from the block, while you turn the engine over. You should get a healthy arc. Then check that the points gap is set correctly. Chances are that your main problem is not in the wires.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: no spark

Do Boomyals tests but I need to ask - why are you checking the spark? Is there some history that may give a clue as to your problem or did it just stop? For instance, points changed recently, rewiring job recently etc,etc.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

The boat hasnt been run in about 4 years and the guy is pretty much giving me this boat.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: no spark

AQ's are points eaters, start there. Remove the cap and look while someone turns the motor over. You should see a spark evrytime the points open and close. If you don't, make sure they are good and adjusted correctly....

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

Ok, i am going to replace the cap and the rotor. I had a friend turn the motor over while i was watching for spark on the wire coming from the coil to the distributor and it had a real good spark. So do yall think cap and rotor will fix it? Where can i get a set of wires for this motor? Iv tried 2 boat dealers and numerous of automotive stores.

 

[Don S]

Re: no spark

I seriously doubt if the cap and rotor will make it run. The 125's (any of the OHC Volvo 4 cyl. engines for that matter) are very picky about point dwell, timing, and spark plugs.<br />Since it's been sitting for 4 years, replace the points and condenser, and put in a fresh set of plugs (The right ones, remember they are sensitive to these)..<br />Then set the points by dwell reading, not gap and make sure the timing is spot on. Also be sure the timing belt is in good shape. If it's worn out (Tooth and groove of belt should be same width) and the pulleys rusty you will likely have a very hard time starting it.<br />Also make sure you are getting gas into the carb and the accelerator pump is working. Those engines have no choke, so you have to pump the throttle a lot to get gas into the engine. Especialy if the accelerator pump is not working properly.......or at all.<br />Find a Volvo Penta dealer for parts. Unless you know the differences, changing electrical and fuel parts on marine engines can be dangerous.<br /><br />

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

The day i brough it home, i sprayed some starter fluid into to carb and it fired for about 3 seconds until i cut it off. That was without checking any of the electrical stuff. ill probly go ahead and change the condenser.

 

[Don S]

Re: no spark

Get rid of the "Starting Fluid" before you destroy your engine.<br />If you can't get it to start with gasoline, then find the problem, but don't break your engine using starting fluid.

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

When i pulled the lid off the carb to try to start it, i noticed that a lot of gas poured into the carb. Is this normal?

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: no spark

Gas "pouring" into the carb when you are not "pumping" the throttle is not normal....well, maybe normal for a boat that has sat for 4 years, but not one that is going to start. What you are describing is a carb that has a float problem. The carb must be rebuilt before you proceed with any other troubleshooting or repairs. By the way, a carb dumping gas into a manifold on an engine, is not an engine you want to be doing spark tests on, etc,.Please correct this before you blow yourself up!!

 

[Don S]

Re: no spark

noticed that a lot of gas poured into the carb. Is this normal?

If you noticed this while you was pumping the throttle and it was coming out of the small U shaped tube at the top of the carb, then Yes it's normal. However, if it was going in on it't own while cranking the engine, it could be either the float needle stuck as waterone mentioned or a bad fuel pump. There should be a tube or hose from the fuel pump to the top of the carb for fuel to flow into the carb if the diaphram in the fuel pump fails. Also check for gas in the oil.<br />While these problems may cause the engine not to start due to flooding, it won't cause your spark to stop, that is still an ignition problem.

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

Where can i get parts for this engine?

 

[Don S]

Re: no spark

Your local Volvo Penta dealer would be one choice.<br />Where are you located? There may be someplace real close to you that someone knows about.

 

[MCDOUGAL52]

Re: no spark

Abilene, Tx. I tried searching for one on the volvo website and travis boating center came up as one but the guy said he wont even look at it. That's what i would call poor management and a lack of customer service.

 

[Don S]

Re: no spark

Must be nice to be able to turn buisness away because you don't want to work on something.<br />Give dougrussell.com a try, they only list a 125B, but many of the parts are the same. You may want to call or email them if there is a question. Or even post here and maybe someone can help you with locating the right part.<br /><br /> Dougrussell.com Volvo section.