Model Merc 400 EL no spark

[racfish71]

Im fairly new to boat motors and would like some tips on what to do for a no spark problem. i.e. where to start and some things to check. I bought the Clymer shop manual and was able to determine this motor has the Kiekhaefer Mercury magneto ignition. The motor is very clean and in good condition and was given to me.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Model Merc 400 EL no spark

Welcome to the forum, Ross.<br />First place to check would be the kill wire,(an orange wire in the harness,by disconnecting it.<br />If this wire is grounding out, it will not allow spark. And if it starts after disconnecting this, it can only be shut down by choking,or disconnecting the fuel supply.<br />Then you must find where it is grounding out. Look for a problem in the ignition switch,lanyard,or wire harness to the control.

 

[racfish71]

Re: Model Merc 400 EL no spark

Thank you very much for the tip. Im going to try that in a minute. So what if disconecting that wire still yields no spark?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Model Merc 400 EL no spark

Then it's time to drop the magneto from the pivot, dissasemble and remove the point set. At that point you can lap the contacts or replace the point set. Reinstall and reset to .008-.010 in.

 

[racfish71]

Re: Model Merc 400 EL no spark

Followed those steps exactly and now have good spark! Thanks a million for the advise. You were right on the money!!