On Dec 17, 12:22*pm, Wayne.B wrote:
I have an older Merc outboard that has always been fairly reliable but
went to start it the other day and it appears to have no spark. * I've
checked the kill switch circuit and it appears to be OK. * It has an
electronic ignition module on the side of the block which gets two
inputs from the vicinity of the flywheel and sends its output to the
coils next to the sparkplug wires.

Anybody have an idea how to troubleshoot it from here ?

You didn't state a year, Wayne. Try this website, www.marineengine.com

Sounds like a Magneto problem ( the sending triggers), or coils, or
plugs, or wires for that matter. Good ground ( Coils)? Does the Motor
require a Battery, ie Electric Start? Clean system connecting
contact wires.....?

On a lighter note, I got duped into the old Snowmobile Ignition Test
once. Shocking experience to say the least. Ole' One-Lunger Rotax. You
could run them red hot, and they'd still go.

Good luck. I'm a backyard Mechanic, so that's all I can give you. Only
responsible for my Boat.