My 87 Nautique won't start.

I have a 1987, 2001 Ski Nautique, with a 351ci that I'm getting ready for the summer, but it won't start. It ran fine when I pulled it out in the fall. I've narrowed it down to there is no spark at the plugs. Going backwards, I cleaned the points, and have spark there now. The problem seem to be not getting spark out of the coil. If I unplug the coil wire for the distributor cap, and try to jump a spark off the coil wire.., I get nothing. I've cleaned the connections, but still no spark. I even pulled the coil out of my'61 Vette and tried that in the boat and got the same results...., nothing coming out of the coil!

I don't know what else to do. Anyone got any ideas...? Thanks,

Pete

Joe,

Of course there is spark at the points. Every time they open and close they will spark. That's probably voltage off the battery, my problem is that I'm not getting anything to the plugs... That would come off the coil...

Hi Chris,

Sorry about the name. I wouldn't know what to look for as far as the ohms on the coil (not even sure what the "secondary side" is). As I said, I connected a working coil to the system, and that still didn't produce a spark when trying to jump it to a screwdriver. So, it seems like a bad connection somewhere...

I know this has got to be something simple, but I just don't know where to look.

Pete,
Is the point set opening? Remember you will only get the spark out of the coil when it opens up the ground side of the coil.

Disconnect the condensor just to test for spark. It's only purpose is to protect the point set from arc erosion. If it's shunted to ground, it will have the same effect as the point set not opening.

Run a hot wire to the +coil, and make sure the coil is grounded on the - side. If it fires up you will eliminate the coil. Did it to me last week the same problem and it was the condenser, brand new from Nautique. I have since done away with the points and now have the Igniter II w/ flamethrower II epoxy.

Rockster wrote: I have since done away with the points

Love points. Would not change a thang..

I have not installed anything yet it is still in the box. But in the EI description @ Pertronics basically it asked for distributor descriptionor numbers on the dist, meaning IBM 7008 prestolite. Not meaning to sound to stupid, this Igniter II is for this dist. I do not have to change the whole distributor do I? and as for the coil red is hot from the points to the coil and to clarify negative side ignition wires. The jumper direct from the hot on the battery is just a test wire for the coil. The engine should fire this way at least mine did, thus eliminating a defective coil and pointed me at the condenser. hope this is worded better.

Rockster wrote: I have not installed anything yet it is still in the box. But in the EI description @ Pertronics basically it asked for distributor descriptionor numbers on the dist, meaning IBM 7008 prestolite. Not meaning to sound to stupid, this Igniter II is for this dist. I do not have to change the whole distributor do I? and as for the coil red is hot from the points to the coil and to clarify negative side ignition wires. The jumper direct from the hot on the battery is just a test wire for the coil. The engine should fire this way at least mine did, thus eliminating a defective coil and pointed me at the condenser. hope this is worded better.

Lance,
I think you should spend some time reading. Here's the link Brian provided. http://www.jetav8r.com/Vision/Ignition/CDI.html It will give you a better understanding of + and - wiring. Then, you won't confuse others!

EI distributor conversions are notorious for failure. Some worse than others! As mentioned, if it goes, it will leave you stranded. With a point set, you can at least clean it up and make it back to the dock/ramp. A complete EI distributor is the route to take. However, what are you trying to gain getting rid of the point set?????? Have you done engine mods requiring the ignition upgrade or are you just thinking abot the "bling" factor!!!

Sorry everyone, did not mean to misinform anyone. I do need to read closer. I was admitted to the hospital and truly expected to have all these parts installed when I originally posted, now they on the workbench. But this 14 day treatment has everything on hold. again sorry for the issue, thoughts from my brain to the keyboard don't come off so well. I'm new at this and just need to read and listen to all of you more.

The only reason I decided to go EI, is when we finally got back to the dock and my house we were not sure what we (my brother and me) did to get the engine to fire. all we really did was loosen the screw at the condenser pull the wire and then reconnect it and then she fired right up. not beng sure I thought EI would be the way to go. However my brother did say that points and condenser is a good system. As well I thought EI would be much more reliable. Guess not from what I'm reading.

Interesting. So you're saying that if I take the condensor out completely I should get spark (enought to burnout my points if I leave it that way)at the plugs? What if I don't..?

The new points and condensor didn't change anything. A couple of other thoughts have crossed my mind. I get 12v at the + terminal of the coil. I'm having difficulty getting a reading on the - side. Is it possible the the coil itself (the outer shell) is not grounded properly?   ...or does it need to be...? The second thing is my battery is getting pretty weak..., is it possible that that would cause a weak spark ot the plugs..?

Pete

8122pbrainard wrote: skicat2001 wrote: Rockster wrote: I have since done away with the points Love points. Would not change a thang.. Lance, Looking at your engine pictures, it doesn't look like you went to a complete EI distributor. So, you'll love the conversion when it goes out on you in the middle of the lake!! I hope you carry a spare.

I would never imagine converting and electronic ignition to points...but if it came with points they are easy enough to troubleshoot. Plus I love feeling like Macgyver anytime I pull out the sandpaper and file the points and varoom! a running engine.

Peter B.
I hope you see this. You ARE the guy with the answers. My question is generally in line with this forum topic. I'm not good with following the forum rules, cause I don't understand how it works...my appologies to all for that. anyway... My 72 Ski Nautique was repowered to a Waukeshaw 351W before I got it. I assume early 80s. It probably has less than 100 hours. I just bought a new Mallory magnetic distributor YLM554DV after messing up the original a few years back. It has sat dry for about 5 years. This weekend I got the distributor and coil installed. It started and is running rough. My firing order is not the same as a 351 Windsor that I look up on line 351W 13726548. Looking around the forum I saw someone call 18456273 a good order. Looking from the back forward my prop turns right. I'd swear my firing order is neither number above, but it runs and doesn't backfire up to 2000 RPM! It did back when, under power, so it is likely wrong. What to do!?
Also, the Holley 9510 leaks like a sive. I assume a rebuild kit should help that. Sat too long, too dry?
I seek wisdom and guidance.
Thanks!

Thanks a million Pete for getting back. I don't know if I can read the plate, it is fairly crusty, but I will try. Even if I get a portion of the order that should help me match with one or the other! Yes, standing behind, facing forward, the engine turns clockwise.

I am digging around more on the Holley and I'm thinking that 9510 is not the model number. 2DJL-9510-E might mean something? If you have any clues on that I'd be grateful. I think I may have to bite the bullet and pay for the rebuild. Raw fuel is not a fun thing in your bilge!