Merc tech

[KIRCHNER]

2.4 LASER,1-3-5 great spark, 2-4-6 no spark all other functions good.charging-cooling.a bad s. box?

[David - WI]

That would be my guess... if you swap them and 2-4-6 work, you would know?

[KIRCHNER]

SO, each sw box takes care of 1 bank? i can get 2 cdi sw boxes for 60$.. or 1 sierra for 175$?? whats up with that? i see a cdi label on existing.

[David - WI]

Yes, one per bank... no idea on the pricing. CDI seems like pretty decent stuff.

[Jim Speros]

Could also be a stator. It would be a good idea to test the stator. It can be tested. Switch boxes you test around. If it does end up being switch boxes change them both.

[KIRCHNER]

Do you know which one, inner or outer controls 2-4-6?

[KIRCHNER]

Could also be a stator. It would be a good idea to test the stator. It can be tested. Switch boxes you test around. If it does end up being switch boxes change them both.

i can how do test the stator? i have all kinds of meters i cant read 1/2 of them..

[Jim Speros]

Not sure, inner or outer. Follow leads to coils for answer.

There are two ways to test a stator. Ohms and DVA. Ohm test will show variations from manual stated values. Basically check for opens or shorts. DVA is a good way to test if meter works. I quit buying meters and simply check with my finger. Blue will shock a little: red will hurt a little. May sound stupid but no shock at all is a sure way to find a bad stator. I began testing with my finger one day when I promised a job. I didn't trust the DVA. Checked them that way ever since. If you are bold enough to try that. Make certain your other hand is not touching the engine and tap lightly at first. Manual states 2 to 9 volts on blue, same sensation as testing a 9 volt battery on your tongue.

[David - WI]

I think it's either solid or striped wires from switchboxes to coils? If 2-4-6 coils have striped wires that switchbox will, too.

[KIRCHNER]

a for little shock. no problem. i built neon signs for 30 yrs, the King of Pain. 15000v oh yeah! assuming i have to do test with engine running? how do i access these wires! no ground, just touch wire? do i crank the eng, with f whl off? key on.

[pcrussell50]

SO, each sw box takes care of 1 bank? i can get 2 cdi sw boxes for 60$.. or 1 sierra for 175$?? whats up with that? i see a cdi label on existing.

Make sure you are not getting a Chinesium counterfeit CDI. Phony Sierra’s have been mentioned here recently too.

I have not been burned by this yet myself, just passing along a warning that some of the big dogs here have shared.

Two for $60 seems like a fairly common price for the Amazon knockoffs. It sounds too cheap for the real deal.

-Peter

[Jim Speros]

Its been a while. The blue is the one that hurts. I walked out to shop and took these pix for you.

[Jim Speros]

You'll need to dis connect leads to ohm test. Output test can be done at cranking speed or running. Manual values are at cranking speed. You'll need to remove the two screws holding switch boxes. They must remain grounded. Nearly all have ground straps. Careful getting shocked. Nobody will recommend this. I am just sharing what I have done for years.

[rgsauger]

Totally agree about cheap ass switch boxes. They will melt your damn motor down. In the USA, “CDI“ is a brand. They are using the Termanology as an adjective, not a brand. Two for $60 is crap. They should be about 300 to 350 for a pair of Sierra that are made in Germany. Cheap Chinese switch boxes will literally melt your motor down. Avoid the temptation. I would rather run used good OEM switch boxes than new Chinese crap.

[OnPad]