coil not getting fire.

jeepstyle · May 21, 2011

I took my boat to the lake for the first time this season,backed in tried to start . the motor turned over fast but would not start . checked the coil no fire . I had changed the switch but don't know if that could be the problem , need help wife want to sell my boat . changed coil but still no fire

Don S · May 21, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

Worn out muffler bearing...............

.
Think it might be a good idea if you let us in on things like make, model, serial number, type of engine you have?

jeepstyle · May 21, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

2003 bayliner 205 with a 5.0 mercruiser v8

dubs283 · May 21, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

have you tried any troubleshooting besides installing a new coil??

the OEM manual has a great troubleshooting guide for no-spark issues

if you post your engine serial number and ask nicely someone may post a link for you to download the manual

62larkowner · May 21, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

hell with those engines its just like a old car right? check wires going into coil from distributer ( thinkin old chevys) see if they are all good

dubs283 · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

62larkowner said:
hell with those engines its just like a old car right?

oh yeah!!

what was i thinking??

just post this question in an old car forum, you'll probably get the answer there

sheesh!!

62larkowner · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

lol meaning as far as ignition system , coil plugs distributer and such its just like a older car engine just with a outdrive instead of a transmision,

dubs283 · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

62larkowner said:
lol meaning as far as ignition system , coil plugs distributer and such its just like a older car engine just with a outdrive instead of a transmision,

sort of...its like saying, "an engine is an engine, figure it out"

mercruiser designs their engines and ignition systems to operate and perform well in boats, not old cars

your suggestion of checking the wires is one step of MANY in troubleshooting ignition issues - first of which is identifying what type of igntion we are looking at and locating the correct OEM manual for the engine

Monte1961 · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

If at first you don't succeed, read the book! But seeing that's its a 03, I am sure it has electronic ignition. Your going to need a scanner and a ohm meter, or just keep buying parts in till you figure it out!

Don S · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

jeepstyle said:
2003 bayliner 205 with a 5.0 mercruiser v8

Well, we are getting close to knowing what you have. Is it carbed or fuel injected? Different ignition systems ya know.
Will need an engine serial number for exact information. Mercruiser lists nothing by year, only by serial numbers and number break.

Now, just as a WAG, and assuming it may be a carbed engine, it would have the Thunderbolt V ignition.
Here is a basic troubleshooting chart for that system.
Also assuming you have your lanyard safety kill switch on.

mhutchins · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

Hey Jeep,

Take a look at this tech bulletin. It may help you sort out the problem.

Mike

Don S · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

mhutchins said:
Hey Jeep,

Take a look at this tech bulletin. It may help you sort out the problem.

Mike

Won't help Mike, even if he does have EFI, it will be newer than the MEFI 3 system.

dingdongs · May 22, 2011

Re: coil not getting fire.

happened to me last year with exactly same boat,engine and year.pulled cap off and all pickups were covered in oxidisation.scraped it off and it fired right up.i did note that i grabbed hold of the rotor and gave it a little tweak and could feel the power in my hand.don,t know if this was the cause as been away for 6 months but it started straight away.have bought all new cap and leads as managed to pull the cable out of the centre fitting .still started though.this leftr me stranded out on the water on 2 occasions though and i had no multimeter with me at the time.boat was running perfect up to then.will be going around all my connections making sure all is sound when i get back in 2 months.

coil not getting fire.

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