wire going to side of magneto/ coil assembly a ground or hot

[pghwrench]

I'm working on a 1960 merc 400 i have a wiring diagram but am having no luck getting spark i changed the points and condensor set the gap correctly made sure it was all in time etc still nothing there is a wire going to the side of the unit white in color is this a ground or is it suposed to have voltage from the ignition? thank guy gals this has been driving me nuts for three days

 

[merc850]

Re: wire going to side of magneto/ coil assembly a ground or hot

That wire is to shut off the engine by grounding out the mag. If you pull the external plug off, the magneto should spark, if it does there is a problem with the key switch or wiring harness.
Did you set the points at .008" on the lobe of the cam?

 

[pghwrench]

Re: wire going to side of magneto/ coil assembly a ground or hot

yes i believe i did, i'll double check and thank you I let you know if that works
ty