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1978 110 (9.8) has no spark

R

rocket dawg

New member
Looking to get it running a sell it because I just bought a 1990 15 hp Mercury. The 110 Looks great but it ran funny last time out and now no spark on either plug wire.
Serial 4999951. So far I have found a bare wire that may have been grounding out (repaired) a loose ground wire, (tightened) and still no spark.
We have owned this Gem for about 13 years without a single problem, (a few impellers)
Trying to find parts or a diagram on the internet is confusing to say the least, most parts places say "serial number not found"
I'm mechanically inclined so I would like to repair it myself. Engine says "Thunderbolt ignition"
Does this model have points?
good compression, carb gone thru 2 years ago, new plugs this year.
I will disconnect and test the kill switch next and re-check the wiring.
Any common spark related issues with these motors?
The wiring is getting a bit aged and flimsy, so I will replace any wire that needs it.

This 110 motor has been great, we just needed a bit more power for out boat and found a decent deal on the 15
thanks rocket dawg
 
fastjeff is probably right, he usually is, but to be sure, do an ohm test on the stator and trigger, if both check out fine, its your switchbox. If you dont have a manual, do a search on this site for the readings you are looking for.
 
O.k. stator and trigger means no points. The spark box & switch box are the same animal?
Located just to the right of the plugs with 4 wires coming from it. (2x3inches) Is this part still available?
I'll purchase a manual, hopefully it covers both the 1978 9.8hp and the 1990 15hp.
Can someone post a link to the part I'm looking for so I can get an idea how much they cost? and a repair manual?
sorry for all the requests, I just haven't had any luck finding the correct parts for my 110 on the net.
can you suggest a Mercury parts online site? this is the first time my Mercury's have ever given me a lick of problems
We also own a Mercruiser 260 stern drive that has been completely flawless.
thanks rocket dawg
 
They're the same, and surprisingly hard to find used. That motor uses a spark box which is not interchanggable with the Merc 200 (20 hp), which are common. Don't ask how I found that out!

Jeff
 
Well, I guess I wont be selling the 110 anytime soon. I'll wait until spring and keep searching for a spark box.
First a manual and all the electrical tests, and if needed, a used spark box.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
 
Bought the manual, and took a closer look under the recoil/magneto. found both wires bare and one broken.
Soldered both up and shrink wrapped.
3 pulls and it fired right up and runs like a swiss army knife/watch again.
Probably not the best time of year to sell, but I'll test the market.
Is 5 to 6 hundred too much for this? It has 2 gas tanks.
Only reason I'm asking is that I just found one on Craigs list for $300, with a broken lower half/gears or something. Owner says "good motor or for parts lower end busted"
 
hi -- just bought a 1977 110 9.8 in july and have the same problem -- no start / no spark -- i paid 700, but seller brought the motor halfway [bout 150 miles], so that was worth something -- plus it has electric start & long shaft -- plus i was semi desperate at the time since my sailboat inboard [a-4] had stopped, and the summer was wasting away -- however, i feel i overpaid; plus looking inside, all the wires are old, cracked, and peeling -- so i am not happy -- have replaced it now with my 1991 johnson 9.9 which is way superior --

anyhoo -- some questions so i can fix & sell it --

what is the stator and trigger and how do i check them?

i already have the spark box off -- it has a bare / frayed wire -- how can i fix that? -- the box is sealed, so i assume it cannot be opened -- and yes -- there are lots of places offering parts, but that box is about $250 [new] from them, which is way beyond my reach

i assume i'll have to pull the flywheel next to fix the 2 frayed wires i see coming out from underneath....

thanks in advance for any help.....
 
Stator and trigger are under the flywheel. You MIGHT get lucky if you replace all those frayed wires, but you probably need new parts.

Jeff
 
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