Broken Trigger Wire

Quick question. I have a 1987 3-cyl 90-hp outboard with a broken trigger wire leading to the rectifier terminals. Would a broken trigger wire cause a no spark condition? While I was beginning to troubleshoot the motor, I noticed the dry and broken wire. Thanks.

Re: Broken Trigger Wire

Yes!

Re: Broken Trigger Wire

Trigger does not tie into the rectifier!!!! Only the yellow stator wires attach to rectifier...

Re: Broken Trigger Wire

Faztbullet said:

Trigger does not tie into the rectifier!!!! Only the yellow stator wires attach to rectifier...

Click to expand...

I should have not used the term rectifier, since I am not sure exactly what the part is called. I dont have my mercury manual in front of me at this time. However, I do have a black/white wire coming from the trigger that rotted in half. And now, I no longer have spark to any of the plugs.

Re: Broken Trigger Wire

The pulse modules that are attached to the plugs contain a stepup transformer and a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit consists of a solid state switch (Silicon Controlled Rectifier usually) and a storage capacitor.

The triggers developed by the flywheel's rotation generating alternating current (AC) for the rectifier which ultimately generates pulses (triggers) that are sent to the pulse modules. I think the wire is black with a yellow stripe, but I am in the house and it has been a long time since I was into that circuit and my manual is out in the shop........anyhew.... the pulses from the rectifier trigger the SCR (at the precise required interval) and the SCR dumps the storage capacitor (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) into the primary of the high voltage transformer which converts a 12v high energy pulse to approximately a 0.15 Joule energy pulse of approximately 40kV (before the plug fires) and bango you have your spark.

Sooooo no trigger....no sparkie.

HTH

Mark