Ignition Problem 1975 85 hp v4 Johnson

wbentel	After messing with a fuel pump problem that turned out to not be a problem, I am discovering there appears to be no spark to the engine. We tested this by pulling a plug and holding it about 1/2 inch off block and cranked engine - we could see no spark. Will this method detect it and what do I look for. We checked two of the four plugs with the same result. Thanks	2002-07-01
Dewey	that method should work. did you try holding the plugs closer to the exposed metal? i always leave the plug in and use the screw driver in the spark plug cap. if you have points check them. Check and make sure spark plug wires are tight.	2002-07-02
Joe Reeves	Wbentel... Use a philips screwdriver that will bit inside of the wire coil terminal that usually grips the spark plug. Remove all spark plugs so that you can obtain the highest cranking speed (the engine must turn approximately 300 rpms in order to generate the proper spark). Hold the shank of the screwdriver away from the powerhead so that you have a 7/16" gap. You should have a strong blue flame on all cylinders. If you have no spark at all, remove the black/yellow wire from the pack and try again. If you now have spark, you more than likely have a faulty ignition switch. If after removing that black/yellow wire, you still have no spark, I would suspect a faulty powerpack.	2002-07-02
wbentel	Joe Reeves: thanks for the help. Did as you suggested. Got no spark with or without the black/yellow wire removed. Make assumption it is a powerpack. Is it difficult to change? I am a fair backyard mechanic. wbentel	2002-07-02
knapp16	I have a 76, 85 HP, and when we had that problem the tiny fuse in the engine was bad.	2002-07-02
mylin	The powerpack is relativly easy to replace, it has a few wires but on most engines they can't be put together wrong, My only warning is to mark which coil wire is which, you don't want to mix them up when putting it back together good luck	2002-07-02
sho305	Have heard of a few of those packs going bad, they cost $ so check other stuff first.	2002-07-03
muddog	I had a similar problem recently on a 200 hp merc. Turned out to be a short in ignition switch. Initially thought is was the pack and they aren't cheap!	2002-07-03
wbentel	To Joe Reeves: Thanks again Joe. I followed your advise and determined it was the power pack. I put a new pack on today and it started easier than it ever started before. Appreciate your assistance. Wayne Bentel	2002-07-03

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