outboard probs - see a spark?

[Conachair]

Suzuki dt20 refuses to start, should I be able to see a spark in daylight? I'm sure I saw a blue one just once but nothing since. Assuming no spark any hints where to start looking? Kill switch disconnected already.

 

[30boat]

You should be able to see a spark in daylight if you cast a shadow over the sparkplug with your body or your hand.Much easier at night though.

 

[NickRobinson]

I hate getting HT shocks, I used to attach a small child who didn't mind.. very effective.
(now it would be called 'An Apprenticeship' )

You can use a neon device to 'see' HT, used to be sold as timing lights.

BTW, you have substituted the plug for a known good one? (or omitted it by sparking directly from lead to earth)

Nick

 

[pcatterall]

I have one of those 'old fashioned' amber coloured testers ( they give a very visible spark in daylight even).
My contact point in my old seagull always need cleaning before I get a spark each new season. ( are still points in modern engines?!)

 

[onesea]

Never seen a sparkon an outboard, to difficult for me. Fresh plug instead...

 

[Lakesailor]

Get a tester. http://www.toolstop.co.uk/sealey-vs526-in-line-ignition-spark-tester-p54982 I have one of these. They are easy to shade from direct light.

I also have some of these, but I don't think they are quite as good. http://www.holden.co.uk/displayprod...gName=Engine+Testing+and+Tuning&pCode=095.066

 

[Conachair]

Tried both the plugs in another outboard and no prob seeing a spark, so looks like the problem is further down the line. I feel a rapid learning curve coming up, where would a 2 stroke outboard guru look first? Looks like electronic ignition.

 

[Conachair]

Further up the learning curve..

The coil is showing open circuit between both outputs to ground, continuity between input and ground and 24.45Kohm between the 2 outputs - doesn't sound quite right - is it bust? And where might I get a nippondenso 029700?

Ta

 

[nigelmercier]

And where might I get a nippondenso 029700?

Here: http://www.globaldenso.com/en/

 

[gordmac]

Can you take ht lead out of coil and plug end? I had problems with no spark on a small engine, ht lead connections very corroded.

 

[William_H]

Yes with car ignition the leads can give trouble with what is like corrosion. it seems the gap and sparks jumping the gap promote corrosion. The carbon impregnated wires don't seem very long lifed. I would suggest a high resistance measurement on coil might indicate bad wire or plug connection so start cutting back before you buy a new coil. Resistance up to 500k ohms is acceptable.
Regarding faults in outboards. one easy diagnosis is to look at the lugs. Dry plugs is no fuel wet plugs is no ignition. (or dirty plug)
good luck olewill.

 

[Conachair]

Can you take ht lead out of coil and plug end? I had problems with no spark on a small engine, ht lead connections very corroded.

Leads glued with some sort of resin, I have a go at cutting them out. Seems odd that both would go at the same time but you never know..

 

[Conachair]

HT leads look clean enough, plus open circuit between the pin inside the coil and the ground straps of the coil - must be a bust coil??