Expert: Everett Peacock - 11/25/2008

Question
i have a 1978 mercury 115hp and i am not getting iny fire to the plugs i got a tester on the spark plug and plug wire and no fire is coming thru when i crank the engine i replace the complete distributor and switch box but it still will not fire it sit up for a year covered up and i restored the boat and when i finish it wouldnt crank so i thought it was the distributor and switch box so i replace both. i need help.  thanks

Answer
with that old ignition the main thing that failed was the trigger assy. ( distributor )  remove the black with yellow stripe wire from the switch box, that is the kill wire..it all that is good then the stator under the flywheel may be faulty...check the timing belt....