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I sent an an email to tech service, but thought I would post here in case anyone has an idea. My electric start Bigfoot starts easily with the starter or pull start when connected to a battery, but won't pull start with the battery disconnected. It is supposed to. The spark trigger is on the same stator as the alternator, but electrically separate. I'll be home this weekend and be able to put a timing light on it to see if it actually is the spark, but I can't think of anything else that would cause this problem.
Dave B. aboard Pearl 1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399 Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
Dave, Do you mean with the battery disconnected and using the cord you can't turn the engine over like it's locked up or you can turn it over but it won't fire up.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688 Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound
I read it as when he pulls the starter cord with the battery disconnected, it acts as if there's no spark. The alternator should provide the spark in the absence of a battery connection, as on all of the outboards with no electric start (or battery).
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
Hmmm ... spark can be created in one of two ways, either (1) from a magneto which is a powerful magnet passing a big coil that generates a powerful pulse of current that can be turned into a high voltage (~10,000-20,000 volts) via a spark coil (aka a high voltage step-up transformer) or (2) via a computer that switches the 12VDC current through a spark coil. In the former case, the power is generated by the physics of magnets and coils. The latter depends upon the source of electricity, either the battery or the alternator. If there is no magneto, there may be a blown fuse coming from the alternator. If you have the make and model of the outboard perhaps I can see the exploded view on boats.net. [Edit] Another frequently overlooked cause of no spark is a faulty lanyard circuit. When the lanyard is pulled out, the "dead man switch" will prevent the engine from sparking. Not exactly sure the agency here unless the dead man switch controls a solenoid that cuts out the spark. Just guessing here.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.