1995, 150 HP Mercury Black Max. OG series serial #. My #1 cylinder is not firing. #3,5 cylinders are firing just fine. Switch box is ~15 mos old. Ignition wire from #1 carries spark just fine on #3. Seeing that the motor is 13 or 14 years old depending on when it was put into use, I figure it is a slam dunk the coil is bad but I figure before I throw parts at it, I would ask the people that forgot more about outboards than I will ever hope to know what they think. The cost of a coil isn't going to break the bank, but I really hate multiple runs to the parts department.

Thanks in advance

Disconnect the shift interrupt switch to check it. Swap the #1 coil with #3 coil to check.

Thanks Gary,

For the price of a coil and the fact I'll be working over water, I think I'll just have a new coil in my pocket the next time I hit Texoma. I HATE working over water but trailering and floating a 2320 Robalo solo is more of a pain particularly when the water is 45 degrees. The way I figure it, things just don't last the way they used to. 14 years of service isn't anything to kick about.

Frank