Spark on only one of three cylinders, Kill Switch?

JoeAyers

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Aug 27, 2010
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I have a 1983 70EL 3 cylinder that is only getting spark to the middle cylinder. Any chance it could be the kill switch if one of the three cylinders is still getting spark?
 

Tech Support

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Re: Spark on only one of three cylinders, Kill Switch?

I have a 1983 70EL 3 cylinder that is only getting spark to the middle cylinder. Any chance it could be the kill switch if one of the three cylinders is still getting spark?
Negative. Kill would affect all cylinders.

Need to check stator DVA first. Then check trigger DVA connected & disconnected from the switch box.

http://cdielectronics.com/downloads/troubleshooting guide/

http://cdielectronics.com/downloads/troubleshooting guide/Mercury 3 Cylinder.pdf
 

CharlieB

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Apr 10, 2007
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5,617
Re: Spark on only one of three cylinders, Kill Switch?

First, minimum cranking speed, the motor MUST crank at or above 300 RPM for the generate to reliably generate sufficient voltage for the ignition to function.

Low battery, poor cable connection at any point can cause faulty spark.

After you are SURE the motor cranks good, then as pointed out a DVA meter or a Volt/Ohm meter with a DVA Adaptor will soon tell you that either a trigger or switchbox has a problem.

If it was the stator you probably would not have any spark at all, or you would have low speed spark but the RPM would be limited.

CDIElectronics has a free downloadable Ignition Troubleshooting Guide that clearly spells out the tests for all ignition systems. Get it, read it Get the meter or adaptor, test twice as there is no need to spend $$$$ on parts you do NOT need, and are NOT returnable.
 

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Don S

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Re: Spark on only one of three cylinders, Kill Switch?

Tech Support, please check your Private messages. There is a link to them at the top right of the page, may say Notifcations on it.

Thanks.
 
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