Newbie... 1986(?)80 HP won't start

[moonlit]

My parents gave me their boat... it has a 1986 (I think) 80 hp mercury. They trailered it about 1300 miles, and last time they ran it (about 3 months ago), it worked fine.

We got it out on the water - engine won't start. Nothing happens.
Battery is charged, and holds charge, engine was in neutral, engine had gas... Everything that is visible is tight.

The only thing out of the ordinary was that one of the wiring harness casings was corroded.

I do have one of the after market manuals... but it is NOT helpful at all. I'm hoping someone can help me out.

The serial number on the engine is 6174761... any ideas on where to start?

I'm kind of a novice... I was hoping that maybe this would be a somewhat easy fix before I consider taking it to a mechanic.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Newbie... 1986(?)80 HP won't start

If the starter won't turn, suspect corroded battery cables, bad starter solenoid or connection. If it cranks but won't kick, you need to put a timing light on it and see if every plug has spark. If no spark go to the CDI.com or Dolphinmarine.com websites. They have online troubleshooting guide for your Alternator Driven Ignition(ADI). The first test is to disconnect the killer wire from the switchbox, and see whether spark returns.