Fried Switchbox

I have a 1969 Merc1000 w/Thunderbolt II ignition (magnetic trigger, very expensive switchbox). I have fried it twice. The first time I didn't have the spark plugs in but the second time I did everything right. After I installed the replacement switchbox (used), the motor started and idled just fine for about 5 minutes. I shut the motor off, disconnected the battery to do some other electrical wiring (did NOT reverse polarity!), hooked the battery back up, and cranked the motor. No fire! The only electrical test I know to do is checking for a few volts on the coil positive lead while cranking. This test failed with a reading of 0.000. Any ideas on why it could have fried again? Is it possible that there is something else making it not light the fire?

Re: Fried Switchbox

Check the stator

Re: Fried Switchbox

I must admit some ignorance here. What exactly is the stator, and how do I check it? My motor manual is of very little help, it says "take it to your favorite dealer."

Re: Fried Switchbox

Look at this link to test your system. Stator is under flywheel and provides charging and power to the powerpac. Shorted stator can fry powerpacs (switchbox). web page

Re: Fried Switchbox

Also, I've found the rotor to strip at the dist shaft,causing me to have to change-out the entire dist assembly. Remove cap, and see if you can rotate the rotor with your finger.Is so, you need to locate a used one (new, they are over 300bukz)!! Before that, i was tempted to whip out the JB weld, and cement the puppy back to the steel shaft.

Re: Fried Switchbox

Areo, this ia a battery CD ignition. the stator has nothing to do with it. buying used electronics is a worse bet than slots in a casino.are you sure it was a switch box last time and not an intermittent trigger?

Re: Fried Switchbox

The trigger was replaced with a Rapair unit shortly before I bought the boat. It is supposed to show 27 Ohms resistance, and that's exactly what it measures. I can't think of any way to check for it to be intermitent except for occasional miss while running.