1980 Ski Nautique commander Missing Spark

[PrestonF93]

I Have a 1980 ski Nautique with a 351w commander. When I bought it, the engine would only run if you poured fuel into the carb(only Professionals with protection and People Near). After fixing this, It ran well and i put it in the water. I ran it for 30 to 45 minutes, and it ran great. The next day, I took it out and ran it for about 20 minutes. Then, the breaker on the fuse popped after the solenoid, and I could smell the wiring getting hot. The boat Shut down and wouldnt start agian,so i pushed it to the dock, and checked all the fuses and wiring. Nothing melted or blown, from what I can tell. The issue starts here. When I turn the key, I get a spark... as the engine rotates, there is no more sparking (Connecting a plug Directly to the ignitor coil and shorting it to a bolt to see a spark visually), and then when I turn the key off, I get another spark. The engine tries to turn over(sound of combustion) and start but immediately shuts off as I have just turned the key to the off position.(Spark when key is turned to on position, no spark during ignition full turn zone, then one spark with the sound of combustion and engine turn over when releasing out of ignition zone) Today, I will hook up a new ignition near the motor with short new leads to see if I can bypass any wiring or fuse issues and get continuous sparking. But at this point, I'm at a loss. any help here would be amazing.


I replaced the solenoid, alternator plugs, fused breaker, and Ignitor coil
Also, I don't have a ballast resistor. I have a Ford external voltage regulator

[SilentSeven]

This is a standard Ford automotive ignition and should be an easy diagnosis for a professional mechanic familiar with a points / coil based system. If you're not familiar with diagnosing, I'd find a qualified shop and take it there. I don't think they need to be a marine specialty shop...just someone who's good with old school V8 engines - just bring your 'fake a lake' or whatever you use to feed the engine water when on the trailer.

The burning smell could be the alternator, ballast, coil or possibly some internal item in the distributor (condenser) or even some of the wiring. You say you replaced parts but didn't have a ballast resistor...that could be a problem as the ballast reduces voltage to the coil...you may have cooked the coil or something in the distributor.

Hope this helps...maybe someone has a better suggestion that might get you closer.

[SilentSeven]

Also .... the folks at www.correctcraftfan.com specialize in the older boats like yours and may have additional suggestions. Might see if they have any recommendations....

[PrestonF93]

Ill check that out. thank you