2.3 Electronic Ignition Upgrade

[Timberlake]

Long story short: I installed the electronic ignition and the boat will not start. I have spark coming out of the coil, but no spark coming out of the distributor. Any thoughts on this? I am thinking the timing is way off, and I am tempted to start spinning the distributor looking for spark but wanted to write in first.

 

[Docksidemarineservices]

Did you forget to install the ignition rotor? Adjusting the timing will not give you or take away spark.

 

[Timberlake]

The rotor is in. Good point on the timing. I'll go out and take another look at it today.

 

[mikey b.]

did the same on my 1980 400 stringer , was told when I took it in to my local boat shop,after it wouldn't start, that I had to remove (bypass) the resister wire. mechanic showed me the wire since at the time I didn't have a manual with schematics. But I think you might have the same problem.It seems electronics must need full 12 volts.