1981 (?) Chrysler 20HP Outboard Motor- Won't start

I could really use someone's advise on the most logical and economical way to proceed with troubleshooting my engineer problems.

1981 (I think) 20Hp Chrysler Outboard motor with electric start.

Here are the issues:
1) Boat was able to start earlier this season but would stall out after 10 minutes of running on the lake. After cool down (30 minutes) the engine could restart.
2) Confirmed gas is present and proper mix (50:1). New gas too.
3) New spark plugs replaced.
4) battery has been charged and has full starting strength.
5) Starter engages and turns motor, but no fire.
6) Smell fuel after repeat starting attempts.
7) Pulled plugs from engine (while attached to wire) to see if spark was present. RESULT: NO SPARK from either plugs (two cylinders).

I think either both coils are bad or something else......but this whole boatnig thing is very new to me. I have confidence in my ability to change parts but would like someone with experience to help guide me with what order should I continue replacing parts based on price and probability.

Thank you for your help. :%

Re: 1981 (?) Chrysler 20HP Outboard Motor- Won't start

When Alan posts that your motor sucks cause it is a chrysler just ignore it . You will need to post your model number. Chrysler 20 hp had various ignition systems. Go to the terminal strip where all the wires go on the port side of the motor. Follow the purple wire inside the motor. The wire will come from the wiring harness to the motor and the purple wire will either go to the terminal strip with no other wire going inside the motor or it will go to a small square or rectangular black thing which is the rectifier. Does your motor have a rectifier?

When you had the spark plugs pulled with wires attached did you ground the electrode? Best to tie a wire around the spark plug threads and tie the other end of the wire to ground. This can be the negative battery lead or a metal screw attached to the motor. If the plug is not grounded you will not get a spark. Check just aft of the starter solinoid. There should be a circuit breaker. That might have tripped which will give you no power to the ignition system.

You mentioned overheating. Chryslers are usually pretty good when overheating where they do not tend to cause severe damage. A compression test will give you a better idea if any damage exists. Cold compression numbers will be around 100 psi in each cylinder. Warm numbers could be as high as 145.