1970s Merc 1150 wiring question

[Helpmetomcruise]

Is it possible to bypass the switchbox and trigger and "hotwire" the coil like on a old Chevy or Ford pickup in order to get spark at the plugs?

 

[GA_Boater]

Not at all. The switchbox and trigger is the timed ignition power for the coil or coils. No timing when the coil is hot all the time.

 

[Helpmetomcruise]

But isn't it the distributor that provides the spark as the rotor passes each point in the cap

 

[Faztbullet]

Put a trigger on it and be done with it. You cannot bypass in anyway.It you 'hotwire" a coil with constant 12v it wont fire as voltage in coil has to collapse to produce spark

 

[Chris1956]

There is a test on the CDIElectronics web site. You can test all the wiring and switchbox to make sure they are good. If the test passes, and you still do not have spark, it is likely the trigger is bad.

The test is for battery-powered CDI ignition.