No spark- '71 9.8

After years of non-use, I decided to get my '71 9.8 back in service. No start. I determined there was no spark. Shop says it's the stator; they only want $975 to replace that, plugs, the impeller, and a carb kit!!
I can get all the parts for about $225, but I'm wondering what else I might run into. I don't want to spend the rest of the summer replacing parts and still not have a running engine.
BTW--this engine has had moderate use, so it definitely shouldn't be worn out, and it was stored inside for the past 5-6 years.

Re: No spark- '71 9.8

Do you have a service manual? Most manuals have a "step by step" set of troubleshooting steps to help you find exactly what is amis when it comes to problems like this. I'd spend 40$ on a manual and a Saturday afternoon of testing before I would spend $975 on parts and labor....

Re: No spark- '71 9.8

A couple of problem areas on these are cracked insulating blocks where the HV wires come in to connect to the points (inspect and replace); and kill switch.

If I recall, this year had the self-contained stator with kill switch that had to ground the orange wire going to the stator in order to spark. The kill switch opens up to kill spark. So, if the switch is not working right no spark. Easy enough to check with a meter, or ground the wire directly to the block and see if you get any spark.

Also check the points; however they can be rather burnt-looking on this style of ign, and still work.
It couldn't hurt to clean them up and regap to .020".

BTW a new Rapair CDI stator is only $165.42 at www.boatfix.com so why pay $Stealer prices???

I get just about all my stuff there at large discounts from list and have been very happy with their speed in shipping and good customer service.

Here's the link to your part (and you should be able to get the other parts you need here too):

http://www.boatfix.com/bypartnocdi.asp?partno=174-3996

HTH.....ed