PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

[RhysAld]

hi, new to the forum and have scoured all the other pages related to this topic with no success. Me and my friend have just been given a 1993 bayliner with a 3.0l mercruiser outdrive. Boat has been sat there for a fair few years and i understand the amount of work that will be required in order to get her back in the water. The engine doesnt look overall in too bad a condition, the only problem we have encountered so far is the spark problem. Its is the electronic ignition. I will try and explain;

Got 12v to the coil.
Got 12v at the both wires that link the coil to the distributor.
Spark plug will spark if attached directly to the coil
No voltage at the grey wire that is attached to the tach (i think this is right)
We've just replaced the distributor pick up sensor, rotor and distributor cap with no joy!

The only thing i can really think to do now is replace the module. But I wanted some good advise before I start replacing the expensive bits. I have 12v into the module and 12v out of the module (where the pick up sensor plugs in.) Is there anymore tests i can do before splashing out??


Regards,

RhysAld

 

[Don S]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

The only thing i can really think to do now is replace the module.

Do you have the EST distributor, or the digital DDIS system? A picture will help determine which you have if you aren't sure. A serial number may help, not sure.

 

[RhysAld]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

hi Don S. thanks for the reply its the EST distributor.,

Regards,

RhysAld

 

[Don S]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

See if this troubleshooting chart helps.

View attachment EST Troubleshooting.pdf

 

[RhysAld]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

very useful thankyou. ive just worked through it from what i can remember and got to step 4.
? RECONNECT DISTRIBUTOR 2
TERMINAL CONNECTOR.
? WITH IGNITION ?ON,? CHECK VOLTAGE
FROM TACH. TERMINAL TO GROUND

I have litterally tiny amount of voltage at this terminal. (the terminal with a grey wire running to it from tachometer???) is this right? what voltage should i be looking for here?

Regards,

RhysAld

 

[Don S]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

ive just worked through it from what i can remember

Don't guess, forget what you have done before
Follow the instructions step by step in the tests. Then we won't be wondering if you remembered correctly.

 

[RhysAld]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

ok, thanks for the help. i will go through the list tommorrow and get back to you.

 

[Ryanlewis2010]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

also it might not hurt to replace the wires i did all this and ended up with a coil to dist wire that was shot all the others were fine but the coil to dist had no continuity

just my .02 lets us know in the morn

Ryan

 

[RhysAld]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

Hi guys thanks for all the help. I looked all over the system today following the guide you sent me Don S, we found that the coil would spark but only just after I stopped cranking the engine on the key and I have seen another forum and this was the case. We replaced the ignition switch and hey presto we have a spark.
This is a bit off topic but should my outdrive raise and lower without the key even having to be in the ignition or have we put a wire on the wrong terminal (the ignition switch we put on has more terminals than the previous)??

Loving the site, soo much useful information! No doubt ill be back as we progress and try and run our relic!

 

[mark1905]

Re: PLEASE help. Mercruiser 3.0 wont spark!

Yes.. you should be able to raise and lower your out drive without having the key.