engine wont start---electrical problem?

[skibum100]

Hi--
We have a 73 Atomic 4 on a Pearson 30. Just purchased and it hasn't been cranked up for 2 years. We tested the coil..no arch and replaced the coil. The spark plugs have been replaced and wires. Dist looks good. still no fire...any suggestions?

thanks!

Dave

[sastanley]

Hi Dave,
I'd go ahead and replace the points & condensor also. (I think they are usually sold as a kit) - They are relatively cheap & easy to replace..Check the cap & rotor closely for cracks or burn marks..the engine should still run if those are not in tip-top shape, but can cause unusual behavior once you get it running...I know you said the distributor looks good, but you'll have the cap & rotor in your hand while replacing the condensor & points, so have your buddy/wife examine them while you screw on the points.

When I bought my old boat, I found at least 1/2 dozen old sets of points laying around in the toolbox, so it seemed to be a 'regular' maintenance item.

There is a good FAQ here on the Moyer site to check thru too..I think you get to it from the home page.
edit - here ya go. http://www.moyermarine.com/faq/index.htm

While you are fiddling and trying to get her running, there should be a drain plug on the bottom of the carb. A common procedure is to drain the fuel from the carb and pump some fresh fuel thru there using the fuel pump, to loosen up/flush out any garbage. Hopefully the 2-year old gas has been stabilized...there is another new guy on the forum trying to get his running and he has spark, but we suspect bad fuel, so he picked up an outboard tank as a temporary fuel source.

Welcome to the group! :cool:

[Dave Neptune]

Dave, try to hot wire to be sure that there is nothing amiss in the Ign. switch/key). Then make sure you have voltage at the coil and to the points when the ing. is on. Many gremlins can sneak in and cause something to corrode after sitting so long.

Dave Neptune:cool: