Troubleshooting

[relaxed101]

1990 Johnson 70 VRO VJ70TLESB

Motor's run great for years. Last weekend it wouldn't choke when starting. Got started with starter fluid in carbs. Ran great all weekend. This weekend, can't get it to turn over at all. Seems like no spark or fuel. Power is getting to choke solenoid, but no clicking. Starting fluid in carbs does nothing. Plugs were heavily oiled, replaced them, nothing.

Can't tell if it's a flooding situation (choke stuck open), electrical (how do I tell if plugs are getting spark?). Not sure which way to go. May take it to mechanic, but usually can fight through issues (so few with this motor over the years).

Any ideas?

[relaxed101]

OK, have verified no spark to all plugs. First guess is boat (key switch, dead-man, etc.). From previous post I see to disconnect the big red connector, then jumper the starter to see if plugs light (don't let it start, just check spark). Looking at my wiring diagram, I see one red wire goes straight from the battery to the solenoid, so I'm guessing after disconnecting the connector I'll still have power, right?

What am I jumpering to turn the starter, the bolts on the starter or solenoid?
Thanks,
Steve

[ELGIN]

Jump from Yellow/Red wire to main battery cable on solenoid, keep hands away from flywheel and starter bendix.

[relaxed101]

No spark with boat disconnected. I don't have a CD Voltmeter that the manual says I need to check other parts, but, I'm getting 13, 10, 10 volts out the of the 3 wires coming from the powerpack to each coil. However, no spark at all on all 3 plugs (checked with a spark tester). I can't imagine all 3 coils went bad at once. Was thinking of the powerpack, but getting volts out of it kinda suprised me. Guess I'm headed to the shop. Any last thoughts?
Thanks for all your help,
Steve

[ChampioNman]

Timer base.

[ELGIN]

Use your volt meter on AC volts low scale, see what you get from the timer base leads when cranking, should see about 1.5 or higher.

Check stator out put with AC volts 250 volt scale, should see around 250.

If both are close replace the power pack.

[relaxed101]

Great info, what I was looking for. I now realize the PP output is WAY low, but need to know if the current is good getting to it. Will check it this afternoon. Thanks for all your help, hoping to get this thing running by July 4 weekend.

[ELGIN]

Just try to help if I can.

[relaxed101]

Just an update in case someone else has this type of issue. The power pack was it. Didn't have the right tools to check the AC voltage from the stator and timer base, but took a stab and got the power pack, it worked. My only other issue is I couldn't reach the top coil since the top wire from the power pack was too short. But, was able to find a place to connect it that would reach. May do some splicing and dicing on that wire after the holiday weekend.

Thanks for all the advice. Steve