How Can I check for Spark in a 1971 80 hp Mercury Boat Motor?

Question

How Can I check for Spark in a 1971 80 hp Mercury Boat Motor?

Answer 1

pull the wire and create a gap from the plug to the wire. Attempt to start and watch the fireworks. if that arcs then pull the plug and check it for issues(infinite resistance across the electrode or something plugging the gap)

Answer 2

remove plug and place next to a good metal grounded part.  it should spark.  you can also buy a tool for checking spark.  71 is pretty old has it been sitting.  could be corrosion

Answer 3

Just like you check for spark in a car.  Pull a spark plug and touch the gap on some metal and crank the motor over.  If you see spark then you have spark.

I worked on a Johnson boat motor once and couldn't get any spark.  I can remember pulling and pulling that d**n cord trying to get spark.  It turns out that the coil was bad.  The coil cost more than the motor was worth.

Answer 4

You could pull the wire off the plug, stick in another plug and with a rubber glove hold it against the block and crank to check for spark. Or you could get a spark test wire that has a gap built into it in a clear spot and put it between the wire and plug. Crank over and you can see the spark

Answer 5

remove your plug you want to check ,put it in the plug boot and ground it on the block and turn the fly wheel there should be spark if the coil is ok .dont hold the plug hold the boot or let it rest on the block or you will get a shock