Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

[boone258]

I've been trying to start my 1977 model 888/188 Hp Ford 302 Mercruiser which is in a Grew 205. I've replaced the spark plugs and wires, coil, distributor cap, rotor, condenser, ignition switch. Engine turns over good but won't start, i've checked for spark and none to be seen. I had the carb rebuilt last year and the boat ran great, it's only been since spring that it has not wanted to start. I'm about to put a for sale sign on it if i can't figure it out which would be a shame because of the time and money my fiancee and i have invested in rebuilding this boat...can anyone maybe give a clue as to what to look at next.:facepalm:

 

[mkast]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

i've checked for spark and none to be seen

First place I'd look.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Are you getting 12V to the positive side of the coil?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

I've replaced the spark plugs and wires, coil, distributor cap, rotor, condenser, ignition switch

I assume since you were talking about the distributor and parts, that this ignition switch is the points in the distributor??
If so, did you set them properly?

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Yes i have 12 volts at the + side of the coil, but nothing at the plugs.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Yes i did change the points in the distributor and also the key switch on the dash. I did set the points which call for 17 Thousands of an inch, but have not yet been able to set the dwell, i'm assuming that the engine needs to be running to set this. A car mechanic was telling me that the spark control module may be at fault, but have been unsuccessful at locating one on this boat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

A car mechanic was telling me that the spark control module may be at fault,

You don't have one. Your points and condenser are your spark control module.
That's why you don't go to car mechanics for boat engine repairs.

When you set your points, were you on the high spot of your points cam lobe when you set them?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

There shouldn't be a "spark control module" because it's known as the distributor. Did you check the 12V while cranking? Just wondering if maybe it gets 12V when in the "on" position, but somehow isn't getting 12V when ket turned to "start" position. Have you verified that the coil is giving spark to the distributor? I'm just wondering if your coil failed.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

You don't have one. Your points and condenser are your spark control module.
That's why you don't go to car mechanics for boat engine repairs.

When you set your points, were you on the high spot of your points cam lobe when you set them?

Yes i was, and everything is brand new is was hard to find but did eventually get the proper parts for it.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

I'm assuming the coil is good because i just purchased it from Mercury marine last week, i even tried putting the old one back on ...but still nothing.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Is the no start problem why you replaced all these parts? Trying to fix it?

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

And how would i do this, to check if spark is being delivered to distributor...is there a certain way to do this? I have played around with engines quite a bit but this is the first time i've ever been stumped, i appreciate the comments guys, i'm going out and trying things as your comments come in, thank you.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Yes, the spark plugs and wires were on there way out, and this was done last year and engine ran fine till i parked it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

On your coil, remove the brown wire from the - terminal on your coil and see if it will start or get spark.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Ok i removed the wire like you said and still nothing, but seemed to turn over a lot better.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

could it be that my distributor is just had the biscuit.??

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Lets go at this a different direction.
How many wires do you have to the + terminal of the coil and what color are they. Also, what color and how many on the - side of the coil.
One other thing to check.
With your DVM, hook the black test lead to the - terminal of the battery. Hook the positive test lead to the + side of the coil and crank the engine over. What is the voltage reading while cranking.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

I have 2 wires to the + side of the coil and they are brown and either tan or white...hard to tell with the age, but i'm thinking it's tan. On the - side i have 3 wires one of which is my tach, which is now red because i changed the tach last year and used new wire. The other is black which goes to the distributor and the other is brown which i just took off and tried to start again.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Ok, disconnect everything from the - terminal except the wire going to the distributor, and give it a try.

 

[boone258]

Re: Mercruiser 1977 888, 302 Ford..no start

Also averaging 10 to 11 volts with dvm.