thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

[mertthedog]

I had a fire on my 115 mercury inline 6 -- yr 1972. I burned the distributor and coil which I replaced. Now I still get no spark and my mechanic said he needed a thunderbolt ignition analyzer to continue diagnosis but does not have one and sent me to look for a facility with one. I am having trouble finding one. Is there an alternative to this analyzer, what does it do, why dont the facilities have them, and how much do they cost.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

You need to search on the "switchbox test" posted here a few times. Work backwards from the plugs to the trigger. If the guy said he needs the "thunderbolt ignition analyzer" to diagnose this... he's an amateur doing it "by rote" as opposed to actually knowing the system.<br /><br />-W

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Do a trigger test first. Then switchbox test. That should find your problem. I will see if I can find old post that you need! Be back soon, Tim

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=29&t=016481#000030 <br />This post may help you. I hope. Tim

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Also you may want to go to www.OLDMERCS.com Then click on mercury then, troubleshooting. Then click on print guide. This should help test what you need. Good Luck, Tim

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

OH And first dont forget to test your mercury switch.... Tim again, Sorry for so many post but i'm just trying to help!!!

 

[Laddies]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Disconnect the mercury switch, turn the engine to number 1 TDC, install a spark gap in number 1 plug wire, make sure you have 12v to the red termanal, with the key on you should also have 12v on the white termanal, install a jumper between the white and brown termanals dist side of the box, with the black wire off the box and a jumper installed on the black termanal arc it to ground, if you have spark the box is good, if not the box is bad--Bob

 

[mertthedog]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Thanks. I found a bad wire on the three comming out of the distr. I replaced it and it fired right up. The used switchbox I bought probably wasn't needed so I'll try to sell it on ebay next week. The switchbox test you advised was very helpful in eliminating it as the problem and letting me move on to find my frayed distributor wire. The local mechanics dont seem to have very much experience.

 

[mertthedog]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

I am now not being able to throttle up. I found that the plastic ring that advances the timing around the distributor body is broken off the replacement distributor. I want to replace it with the ring from my old distributor but cant figure out how to get it off. Are any online pics available? Any directions for disassembly of distr out there?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Mert, You can look at the exploded parts diagram at www.dougrussell.com. I thought I "knew" those motors, but I do not know what you are referring to as the "plastic ring the advances the dist."

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Yes go to.http:// www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=29;t=018888#000000<br />This is what you are looking for. Tim

 

[mertthedog]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Those links were very helpful. I replaced the throttle assembly on the distributor housing (the black plastic ring). I used the link and pics that Tim suggested. The motor started and ran a minute then died. When I tried to restart it turned hard (1/4 turn or less) like the motor had seized. Any ideas?

 

[timmathis]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

Pull your plugs and see if you can turn flywheel by hand.

 

[mertthedog]

Re: thunderbolt ignition analyzer 115 hp 1972 yr

No. After I pulled the 1 & 4 plugs, I made sure it was in nuetral w/ prop and tried turning flywheel. I couldn't turn it. Should I have removed all the plugs or would two plugs be enough to relieve pressure?