port engine turns over, but won't start

[dlpoore]

I have a 1984 32 ft. Marinette with Chrysler 318's. Put in water 12 days ago. Both engines started and ran for half an hour or so, then docked the boat. Next day the port engine turns over, but won't start. I am getting no spark. I am getting gas to the carbeurator. I replaced the coil, rotor, distributor cap, pick-up under the rotor, and the ignition module. The engine turns over, but can't get any spark. I am getting power from the positive side of the coil. Any suggestions to consider. Just wanna go fishin'.

[balthaus]

I will be following this thread as I had a similar issue last season.
I am kinda grasping at straws here but...are either of the red breaker buttons tripped on that motor?
Did you replace the Ballast resistor and the ECU?

[TinLizzy]

Had similar problems with my 1975 318's. I would replace all the ignition components, have no spark, put old stuff back on, then it would have spark. Got tired of this, and ordered two Mallory electronic distributors from Marysville Marine. That got rid of the ECU and the original ign. components. Going one 3 years with no problems.

[Fastjeff]

Try this: When you are CRANKING the motor over, have someone check the + post of the coil for voltage. You should see at least 10 volts there.

What I think is happening here is that the starting ignition booster circuit is not operating. A wire on the starter solenoid sends full voltage to the coil for starting. (In run, the coil sees about 7 to 9 volts through the ballast resistor.)

If that was the problem, and you corrected it, but the stubborn thing still won't start, it's got severely fouled plugs (by now). Pull them, wheel her over to clear the cylinders, and install NEW plugs.

Good luck!

Jeff

[dlpoore]

I have not replaced the ceramic ballast, but will soon. Can the red reset buttons go bad? Both of them don't seem to want to stay "down", in the reset position.

[dlpoore]

What is the ECU? Is that the ignition module?

[dlpoore]

I am thankful for any reply.

[dlpoore]

I do have electronic ignition.

[TinLizzy]

Yes, ECU is the ignition module.

[Tranquilo]

This is what happened to me when my pertronix electronic ignition failed.

Disconnect your tach. I think my tach shorted and fried my unit but haven't gotten that far yet, running without it.

Start the other side so its running and providing juice to the battery.

See if you have 12v to the coil. If so, try to start it.