getting the motor to run

L

Lisa220

Recruit
Joined
Mar 4, 2013
Messages
1
Just got a '88 invader with a 4 cylnder i/o volvo penta. The motor will turn, but won't spark to turn over. My friend said it could be the coil? I don't know. This is my first project boat, so Ireally need some help here. The motor was winterized but sat for 8 yrs. We took out the gas tank, put in fresh gas, sprayed ether in the carborator. It cranks, just won't run. Pulled out the spark plug to see if we could get a spark, nothing. Took off the distributor cap and it is firing on point. Whatever that means... Any thoughts out there. Would greatly be appreciated! Thanks, Lisa
 
jimbo_jwc

jimbo_jwc

Ship Happens
Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
633
Re: getting the motor to run

Give your location and you should get all the help localy with boaters in area being a Lisa .
 
RogersJetboat454

RogersJetboat454

Commander
Joined
Jul 9, 2010
Messages
2,964
Re: getting the motor to run

Welcome to Iboats Lisa!

You may want to have a look at these;

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ignition-system-works-329742.html#post2186518
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...oubleshoot-points-ignition-system-335407.html
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...ne-up-your-engine-points-ignition-335302.html

I realize that you have a Volvo, and these say Mercruiser, points pretty much work the same way.
These links review ignition points theory, diagnosis of ignition points problems, and how to perform a tune-up on your ignition points distributor.
These aren't perfect as they aren't exactly for YOUR engine, but they are a start. Someone may be along soon with a link to a manual for your engine that would help immensely.
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: getting the motor to run

The motor will turn, but won't spark to turn over. My friend said it could be the coil? I don't know.
Click to expand...

Everyone thinks it's a coil at first, then they find out they replace a perfectly good part. Probably 75% of the time, it just needs some new points. They get corroded and glazed over from use and setting, and while looking like the open and close physically, they are not making contact electrically.

What's the model number of your 4 cylinder?

Might want to spend some time in the stickies at the top of the forum. http://forums.iboats.com/volvo-pent...have-technical-information-diyers-468654.html

Specifically items 17,18, and 19.
 
jerryjerry05

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
17,927
Re: getting the motor to run

Like Don suggests points AND condenser.
Sandpaper in the dist. cap,clean the contacts.
Test light,across the connections on the coil.
Test meter,again test at the coil.I believe 9v at the coil.
Once the key is on the coil shouldn't get so hot you can't touch it.
It'll get warm but not so hot you can't keep your fingers on it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top