91 MERC 90 HP so spark, Powerpack????

[adirondakjack]

How can one check the powerpack, or sensors, etc on this critter? I have no spark, and checking voltage at the coil (little wires, I can never remember which is primary or secondary) I get only about .1 volts while it is cranking. What kind of voltages should be seen on the input wires to the powerpack? Trying to figure out whether to buy parts, or trust the only nearby dealer, (one who sold us a water pump, when a wasp had plugged the indicator line) so, I haven't too many choices if I can't figure it out. Is there a sender under the flywheel, like cars use to take place of points? I have been there and back with Ford cars, when it is impossible to tell if it is the hall effect switch, or module, until you change the wrong one, LOL! Summer is darn short up north, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[12Footer]

Re: 91 MERC 90 HP so spark, Powerpack????

Disconnect the ground lead to the ignition switch and lanyard switch first. I'm not sure what color the wire is (don't have the manual handy). But if the wire touches ground or the switches are shorted to ground, you'll get that .1volts thing.<br />I'm not saying there is no problem in the switchbox,stator or trigger, but thuroughly check out the cheap stuff first.

 

[clanton]

Re: 91 MERC 90 HP so spark, Powerpack????

See http://tar.home.sprynet.com./ how to build cheap Ford TFI-IV pickup tester.Secondary is the sparkplug wire. You need a peak reading meter or adapter for VOM/DMM to check the voltage. The volts from pack to coil is well over 100 volts.

 

[Bobby Powell]

Re: 91 MERC 90 HP so spark, Powerpack????

Hey there adirondakjack-<br />I had the same problem and boy it was a headbanger...ended up being both the powerpacks on my 90hp '84 IL6.<br /><br />Try disconnecting the black wire with the yellow stripe going to your powerpack. Then check for spark. If no spark then test the stator with an ohmmeter. If the stator passes then most likley the powerpack.<br /> <br /><br />oh yeah, if you haven't done so already, visually inspect all connections on your motor for corrosion, if any is present then disconnect your battery and start cleaning the connectors. A tiny amount of corrosion on the right leads can contribute to this problem.<br /><br />I have read on this BB that it is rare for all circuits on the powerpack to fail at once, but it happened on my motor that sat for 2.5 years...<br /><br />What I am trying to say is that there may be something else preventing voltage from leaving your powerpacks. So post your findings and one of these great guys will get you back in the water with a running motor.<br /><br />Good Luck-<br />Bobby Powell