Intermittent Spark on 1988 80HP Mercury Outboard - Mechanic believes switchbox

[kaempfe]

1988 80HP Mercury Outboard 3 cylinder B373411

Local boat shop is doing an annual tune-up on my boat and said yesterday it was working fine but when they went to adjust the timing, they were getting no spark or intermittent spark on plugs 1 & 3. They have done some trouble shooting and believe it is the switchbox.

Can someone educate me on the switchbox? How hard is it for me to switch myself? They said the part is $227 and it is $41 for part+labor including troubleshooting the issue.

Also - how would they know it is the switchbox vs some other part? Is this because they said 1 and 3 are giving them problems but they have spark to 2? Could they be making a mistake? I've never had issue with the boat starting or running before and he even said yesterday it was fine. Is that how these things die or are they missing something???

Thanks
Scott

 

[62 ROYAL SCOTT]

Re: Intermittent Spark on 1988 80HP Mercury Outboard - Mechanic believes switchbox

HELL-O kaempfe, your are right you can change it yourself . #1. Get a manual for your o/b #2.TAKE YOUR BOAT TO THE WATER AND CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.#3.YOU CAN USE USED PARTS OR NEW .YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN -BE THE CAPTAIN- Unless you got more money that sences [that's what i think] you can do it PLUS THINK OF THE MONEY YOU WOULD SAVE

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Intermittent Spark on 1988 80HP Mercury Outboard - Mechanic believes switchbox

Go pick up your boat before they can mess with anything else!

Download the Ignition Troubleshooting Guide for free from CDIElectronics.com on their Support page. Their Guide is very easy to follow, with detail instructions how to test your ignition to prove if there is a faulty part.

Remember, there is NO RETURN on electrical parts, do not assume anything is bad until proven bad.

This so called 'mechanic' is trying to sell you an exspensive part, when it does not cure any problem he will tell you there is NO RETURN and that it 'has to be' another expensive part. Don't fall for it. Get the Guide, buy a DVA meter or a DVA Adaptor for use with any volt/ohm meter and save yourself a LOT of money.

Now go pick up that boat before he adds any more charges!

Repost any further questions and we can help you get it straightened out.