Crusader 350XL won't start.

[wingnut]

Boat: Carver 325, 1996, Crusader 350XL.electronic ignition, throttle body injectors.
Suddenly, I have no spark and no fuel at the injectors. Engine cranks normally. Everything I have done has made no difference. I have tried swapping the ECM and coil from the other engine. I replaced with new the ignition module in the distributor. I have no popped CB's on the engine, but I opened the CB box and and checked the function of all the CB's with a meter. I disconnected the main harness for the engine to look for any sign of damage or heat, it was normal, clean, undamaged. The fuel pump is working normally, with proper fuel pressure. I have also checked a lot of other wiring for security, damage, continuity, etc.. No spark and no fuel. I'm stumped.
Any input would be much appreciated.

[bud37]

The ecu needs to know that the engine is turning......check all your connectors, wiggle them while someone turns the ignition on. Make sure the distributor ground is good. Just seeing continuity may not be enough as even one wire strand left in a cable/wire will show good but not be able to carry enough battery power due to resistance.

Your batteries are all fully charged, yes.

[wingnut]

Hey Bud,
Yes, the batteries are fully charged. I have been working alone, so hard to work the key and wiggle stuff at the same time. But, I will do that tomorrow when I have an extra pair of hands. I have worked pretty much every connector I can touch, but I certainly understand the logic of of having help to work the key at the same time. Thank you!!

[Rocketman]

How old are the batteries? I have seen batteries read 12.8 volts and as soon as you hit the starter they go to 9 volts. They cant carry the load. check the batteries while trying to start.

[km1125]

Do those engines have a crankshaft sensor? With neither spark or fuel, I'd suspect the ECU doesn't know the engine is spinning.

[bud37]

Source of the post Do those engines have a crankshaft sensor? With neither spark or fuel, I'd suspect the ECU doesn't know the engine is spinning.

I agree about the ecu just not seeing what it wants to provide a fuel and spark order.

I am not totally sure ( been wrong before..lol ) but I don't think they have those sensors....gets it's reference from the distributor I believe unless there is an oil pressure switch involved as well. Early 90's GM mefi. Marine versions were stripped down for the most part.

Hopefully we hear back as to the cause etc.

[wingnut]

Thanks all for weighing in!
It was the failed pickup coil assembly in the distributor. That can be replaced but requires pulling the distributor and disassembling the shaft. So I decided to replace the whole distributor. Ouch $$, but I feel better doing that as the old one is 30 years old and some corrosion after those 30 years. My bilge is bone-dry and kept clean, but we still operate in a damp environment so I think we all fight the effects. Perhaps to add my own insult to injury, I think I will replace that distributor on the other engine too. Overkill?? Maybe. I prefer to ere on the side of caution.

[wingnut]

Oops, I forgot to answer your other questions.
The batteries are one year old, and in good condition. Also in the slip hooked up to shore power. Either way, the engine spins very fast.
Bud37 is correct. There is no crank sensor, rotation is sensed thru distributor.
Also, from another marine mechanic: "check the tach while cranking for rotation, as the tack should at least come off the beg showing some RPM's." Doing that he said would prove the health of the pickup coil.