Searching for SPARK

Discussion in 'Outboards' started by rovi, Mar 3, 2017.

  1. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    Hi all, just a quick question for optimax enthusiasts. What should I check on a 2006 mercury optimax 150 if there's no spark from any of the coils? Thanks much
     
  2. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    A workshop manual will have the checklist for that. A circuit tester is probably all you need to run the checks.
     
  3. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    I did some checks per the manual but I'm beginning to wonder if the battery is on its way out, the cranking doesn't sound too very lively to me.Would a weak battery restrict a spark?
     
  4. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    If the fuel pumps fail, will that restrict the spark?
     
  5. ondarvr
    Joined: Dec 2005
    Posts: 2,929
    Likes: 573, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 506
    Location: Monroe WA

    ondarvr Senior Member

    Fuel pump has nothing to do with spark, a low battery can.

    You have checked the lanyard and kill switch?
     
  6. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    This is a simple set of tests to perform. The most obvious one is to pull a plug, ground it and crank it over and access the spark condition. This takes less than 5 minutes to perform. Your observations of this test determine which tests to perform next. Have you a shop manual for this engine?
     
  7. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    I don't have a manual but I've tested each coil that way. I even did a ground continuity test from the harness straight through the engine. I haven't seen a broken or chafed wire but there is still no spark. Will post how I eventually got through. Thanks for all the help
     
  8. kaamaman
    Joined: Jan 2009
    Posts: 36
    Likes: 7, Points: 8, Legacy Rep: 38
    Location: new york

    kaamaman Junior Member

  9. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    Thanks Kaamaman but I saw this post already and I've tried all that and everything remains the same
     
  10. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Use a manual to check all components are within spec, as regards resistance readings or whatever it is a the manual tells you to check. The 'power pack' might be gone if you have no spark anywhere.
     
  11. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    I'm supposing so but I would hate to know that. I will borrow one to do the check. Will update you all.Thanks everybody.
     
  12. CDK
    Joined: Aug 2007
    Posts: 3,324
    Likes: 148, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 1819
    Location: Adriatic sea

    CDK retired engineer

    Take a cheap AM portable radio, tune to a station, keep it near the engine - hood removed - and start.
    You'll hear some whining background noise from the starter, louder static from the signals going to the coils, very loud if the coils have a shorted secondary winding.
     
  13. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    I'm not getting a spark so I won't be able to run the engine
     
  14. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    If none of the coils fires, the first thing to check is the kill switch
     

  15. rovi
    Joined: Jul 2011
    Posts: 59
    Likes: 0, Points: 6, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: ANTIGUA & BARBUDA

    rovi Junior Member

    The kill switch was probably the first area I checked. It's frustrating because everything seems to point to the computer
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.