Switchbox?

[imported_Voyager]

Took the boat out the other day and it ('82, m50, "classic") wouldn't start (cranked fine). Back home, I checked for spark and had nothing. Noticed that the potting material the area between the terminals in the middle of the switchbox had a "blister" that felt soft and another area that appeared to have a run. I didn't notice if this material was hard before, but it feels rubbery, and the blister is definitely new, I noticed it right away.

Is this typical of switchbox failure? I don't have electrical test equipment beyond a cheap multi-meter to do any diagnosis with. Best price I've seen on a new switchbox is ~$120, I'd hate to replace it only to have it fail again (or not be the root cause).

Motor ran fine before this (a couple of weeks ago), and started right up when flushing after that trip.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Switchbox?

It does sound like the switchbox had a failure.

Just a few quick things to check before replacing the box:

1) Pull the kill wire off the 'pack, it's black with yellow stripe, then see if you have spark. If you do, problem with wiring or ign switch.

2) Disconnect stator and trigger wires and do a resistance check with your meter; if they come out normal replace the pack. The odds of all (4) coils failing at once are astronomical, you can check them if it makes you feel good, but most likely won't be the problem!

Here's some helpful links:

http://www.boatpartstore.com/mercreadings.asp

http://outboardparts.com/mercury/troubleshooting/troubleshooting10.htm

http://dolphinmarineservice.homestead.com/ign5.html

http://www.boatfix.com/searchcdi.asp

http://www.seilermarine.com/rapair/mercury-mariner-50-hp.htm

HTH, let us know what you find.........ed