So I think I should first admit that I know nothing about outboards... This is my first boat, and no one in my family really has any experience with boat motors. I have a 1988 Mercury 25 (S/N 0B323044) attached to a 1988 Lowe 16' Tunnel Jon. The boat and motor both belonged to my great-grandfather, and my grandparents inherited them when he passed (around 2001). We aren't really sure how long it's been since the boat was used, other than that it had been several years before the old man passed. The propeller is damaged and the hull, although very structurally sound, needs some cosmetic work.
So far, I've replaced the starter solenoid, which fixed an issue with the starter either not turning or not turning fast enough. I also replaced both ignition coils, both wires, and both spark plugs. I purchased a new gas tank, mixed the gas with the proper ratio of outboard oil, and purchased a new fuel line and fittings. At this point, the motor is turning over freely, but not starting. From what my grandfather and I can tell, there is no spark going to the spark plugs. I know the old man had replaced the switch box with an aftermarket part many years ago, and we think the aftermarket unit was working at the time it was parked, but now we suspect the switch box may be the culprit for the lack of spark. I also purchased a new marine starting battery, and that seems to be functioning just fine.
I'm hoping to get some advice from the more experienced members here as to what parts I should be looking to repair or replace in order to address this issue so that I don't find myself blindly replacing parts and spending much more than necessary. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
kmeyer54
So far, I've replaced the starter solenoid, which fixed an issue with the starter either not turning or not turning fast enough. I also replaced both ignition coils, both wires, and both spark plugs. I purchased a new gas tank, mixed the gas with the proper ratio of outboard oil, and purchased a new fuel line and fittings. At this point, the motor is turning over freely, but not starting. From what my grandfather and I can tell, there is no spark going to the spark plugs. I know the old man had replaced the switch box with an aftermarket part many years ago, and we think the aftermarket unit was working at the time it was parked, but now we suspect the switch box may be the culprit for the lack of spark. I also purchased a new marine starting battery, and that seems to be functioning just fine.
I'm hoping to get some advice from the more experienced members here as to what parts I should be looking to repair or replace in order to address this issue so that I don't find myself blindly replacing parts and spending much more than necessary. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
kmeyer54
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