STILL cannot get the 454 started.....help

P

probie24

New Member
Nov 6, 2013
50
detroit river
Boat Info
1983 srv270
Engines
454 mercruiser w/trs outdrive and velvet trans
Hi again, wish I was saying I got it started but no. I have changed the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, distributor sensor,coil, starter slave solenoid, 60amp fuse switch, and it still will not fire. Just canks and cranks. I'm to a point where I guess i'm gonna have to bite the bullet, pull over and ask for directions and get a mechanic. Anybody have any advice or maybe think they know what the problem may be?
 
You probably checked already but I didn't see you mention it. Are you getting fuel?
 
If you have fuel, spark and air, then there aren't many options left.

Could be weak spark (coil, wires, cap, rotor and plugs should have eliminated that), a carb problem or bad timing. I would also think about doing a compression test.
 
Where is the neutral safety switch on TRS outdrives? Since the transmission is separate from the outdrive, my guess is that it is in the transmission. If it is open, the ignition module is grounded and you won't get voltage to the coil/plugs.
 
fwebster said:
Where is the neutral safety switch on TRS outdrives? Since the transmission is separate from the outdrive, my guess is that it is in the transmission. If it is open, the ignition module is grounded and you won't get voltage to the coil/plugs.
Click to expand...
that is a good question, gonna have to find out where that is. doing some research just a while ago and I think I might have bought the wrong plug wires by mistake. that could be it, most likely or no?
 
checked the numbers on the plugs seem to be right but i'm getting power on the coil but it seems no spark from coil to cap......cap is new, coil is new, and so is distributor sensor.
 
Since your boat is an 1983, do you have a condenser the cap. Seen a lot of people do tune ups years ago and not replace the condenser. Without a good one nothing works
 
does anybody know how many rpms it needs to be to fire? I believe I was somewhere in the 300-500 range
 
No power from coil?

Do you still have the old coil? If so, put that back in and see if you still have no spark from the coil to the cap.
If you still have no spark make sure your getting power to the coil. What's the voltage reading there? Should be 12v from either side to ground. You need to have the key on to check it.
You can also check the coils resistance. Check the ohms between positive and negative. Should be around .5 ohms.

If all that checks I wondering if your motor has a crank position sensor.

Just some thoughts from a shade tree wannabe. :)
You will barely need it to spin to get it to start if it all works right.
 
still have the old coil....not sure why I didn't think of that. I bought a brand new one from quicksilver don't know why it shouldn't work unless I was the unfortunate one who got a faulty part. the light tester lit up at the positive when key was turned. absolutely frustrating!
 
Does the distributer have pickups? Mine were built into the distributer. More like screwed into the bottom. If you do and they have gone bad...no spark
 
Last edited:
dwna1a said:
Does the distributer have pickups? Mine were built into the distributer. More like screwed into the bottom. If you do and they have gone bad...no spark
Click to expand...
has a sensor and I replaced it with a new one
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,192
Messages
1,428,271
Members
61,103
Latest member
RealMarineInc
Back
Top