Ignition problem... PLEASE HELP!

DFletch

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Sep 25, 2010
Messages
9
I recently got a 1984 35hp Mercury it got rained on without the cover on it, and the starter and solenoid were all rusted. I was able to fix the starter, but replaced the solenoid for $20. But now I can't get my spark plugs to spark. I've tried everything I can think of but electrical is my weakness. I know the spark plugs are good, so that's not my problem. The only thing I can think of is the coils or the ignition pack went bad. But im not possitive and i dont know how to test it. And if they are bad is there any way to fix it or do they have to be replaced. Please help with any advice you may have. I'm really stumped and don't know where to go from here.:confused:
 

Laddies

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Sep 10, 2004
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12,218
Re: Ignition problem... PLEASE HELP!

Water should not hurt the ign. system, we have them submerged quite often when boat racing, find the black/yellow wire at the switch box and unhook it then check for spark. If you have spark at that point then the problem is in the harness or switch, if you don't have spark at that point we can give you test procedures
 

DFletch

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Sep 25, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Ignition problem... PLEASE HELP!

Ok i checked the power from the ignition key to the harness and i have power. In my mind that would mean the harness is good. So since i have power it's the harness or switch? If so how do I know which one? Im sorry for my ignorance im just pretty confused; it seems like it would be the opposite of what your saying. Also is there any way of fixing this or do i just have to replace it.
 

Laddies

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Joined
Sep 10, 2004
Messages
12,218
Re: Ignition problem... PLEASE HELP!

If you have power on the black/yellow wire it will fry the ign. system, it is a ground off system, like a magneto.
 

DFletch

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Joined
Sep 25, 2010
Messages
9
Re: Ignition problem... PLEASE HELP!

Ok thank you for clearing that up for me.
 
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