1979 Mercruiser 140 hp has spark, fuel turns over real good, just won't start

[redlinj]

I have done a lot to get this going, --new points gaped at 20, new rotor, new plugs(autolite 145) gaped at 30 and they have a bluish spark. It is getting fuel, but after a bit of cranking, the plugs appear pretty wet. Won't even start with a shot of ether to the carb. Now, I have not replaced the cap, but it looks good and like I said have spark to all plugs. This engine should start! I'm beginning to think that it could possibly be the ignition switch. I know it can be the culprit for a tractor, but how about for the boat? Any ideas? Thanks

[Don S]

If you have blue spark at each autolite plug (Why do you use Ford plugs in a GM engine?), you do not have an ignition switch problem.
Did it run before you replaced the points?
Did you remove the distributor ?
Does it backfire or anything?

[redlinj]

Yeah, I guess that was kinda stupid, but that's the type of plug that we pulled out of the engine. The distributor was not removed. it ran before and after we replaced the points. It just seems that ever since I got the boat, it has become harder and harder to start and now it won't start period! I have noticed in the manual, a diagram of the ignition system showing a ballast resistor. This engine does not have one. Did it come with one? PO may have eliminated it.