4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

First sorry so long
So last September when we shut the boat down, everything was
working fine. I winterized boat and covered for the short winter
here in Alabama. I decided to try and start the boat this weekend
and it wouldn't start. I wouldn't call myself mechanically inclined
but I enjoy doing my on work, plus good friends a mechanic. I checked
fire to plugs and there wasn't any, then I checked fire to the distributer,
none there either. So I replaced ignition module and rotor button, still
nothing. Let me add this, when I purchased boat last spring I noticed
the 50 amp breaker on the motor would not go in, it's like it was stuck out.
The boat ran fine all season, so I didn't do anything about it. After this new problem
I decided to bypass breaker until my new one comes in but still motor turns over
with no fire. Lastly I also replaced an inline 20 amp fuse that came from 2 coils or
maybe a type of cylenoid. Not sure if the old fuse was bad but it was so corroded
I couldn't get out to check so I replace fuse holder and all. Next is some type of magneto
deal and then two coils or cylenoids where I replaced 20 amp fuse. What would you guys
recommend next. TIA.

Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

I would verify power in to the ignition module. You will need a schematic. You maybe able to find one in the contributing members section. If you have nothing powering the module you are not going to get anything out. I am not sure how the systems operate as I have never looked at a schematic so my advice is pretty basic I know. I assume you have electronic ignition. What year is your boat?

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Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

Hey gahooligan, you know I don't think I ever checked if the module had voltage. I know it only has one plug going to it with two pins. I imagine one -/ one + . I have a 2001 185 Diablo. I'm thinking it has an electronic ignition. I'm relatively new to this site, but I appreciate all the articles and discussions, so I'm guessing its time I become a contributor. :) tomorrow I'll try and check for voltage on the module, and touch base with you. Thanks for your help

Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

I am assuming if it only has two wires the module is in the distributor? Those two wires should also be connected to the coil then? I believe one should be power in and one would be signal out from the pick up to the coil. Either way the coil and module should have a constant power in with the key on. If you have no power in your have to trace that wire to figure out what is causing the issue.

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Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

Your right, the module is under the distributer. Can I unplug module and check at plug for voltage or will this only show one side with voltage if its properly working?

Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

One side should have voltage in with the key on. Check with your other test lead to ground. Check that you have ground at the motor (that the motor is grounded) if you don't have ground at the motor test to battery ground. If the motor is not grounded due to corrosion at the terminal, that would be an issue as well. I am assuming there is no ignition coil?

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Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

And yes you can unplug the module and make sure one of those wires has battery voltage with the key on while the other side of your test leads is grounded to the block

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Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

I'm going to check on the voltage tomorrow, but I'm not sure if it has
A ignition coil or not. it looks like the power comes into two cylenoids and
then to what I thought was a coil pack that has a bracket to ground it to motor.
Then I believe in goes to the ignition module and so on. Does that make any sense?

Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

Okay. And disregard the ground issue to the motor you said it turns over so it has to be grounded or the starter wouldn't spin. Your ground should be good. Definitely verify voltage in first. Does the coil pack you mention have one coil wire out of it to the distributor cap? Or do all the plugs fire from it? I am assuming since you mentioned a rotor, it has a regular cap with all plug wires hooked to it.

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Re: 4.3 vortec won't fire, help needed
 

Have you enabled the kill switch? ;)