TOPIC: Need help with Mark 78 control box issues

I decided to resurrect the 1959 Mark 78 I got with the purchase of a Reinell 1957 Jet-a Bout. The whole thing cost $200, but I had to get it out of the driveway, no trailer. It was a screaming deal. The Reinell is on it's way (you know, a project), but in the meantime I am going to get this Tower running.
I initially didn't want to get into this thing after reading about the "dock crasher" legend. But this motor is so clean and it is all there. I have totally rebuilt the fuel pumps and carbs, I have replaced all rotten hoses.
I hooked up the ignition and it is hot. The starter spins but does not engage. It won't even spin in reverse.
I am wondering if the control box gears are out of adjustment, or if some of the old switches are not working properly.
Is there someone out there with some sage advice on these direct-reversing Towers?

try jumping the starter directly.

Headly, (Thom)
The 1959 would be a Mark 78A, and I'm not sure if it uses the same control box as the earlier Mark 75 & Mark 78.
It looks like you have an early (75-78) control box & the limiter switches are mounted in that box rather than on the distributor like a 700DR, but I'm not sure where the 78A had it limiter switches.
Like Dave suggested,...Try jumping direct to the starter to see if it will spin the beast both ways.
There are (2) different (+) posts on the starter so follow the secondary large wire from each solenoid out to each of these (+) posts. One should make the starter spin clockwise & the other will spin the starter counter-clockwise.
If the starter spins both ways doing it like this, then try using the clockwise solenoid to engage the counter-clockwise spin.
I have a BUNCH of those starters if you need one.
Doc F
Thom

if it is the wrong box i might have one.

Thanks guys, big help as usual from two of the senior motor heads. I am going to test a couple switches, I have the control apart. Very old wiring, the reverse switch is not working, I will clean it up as best I can and test the switch. I will jump directly sometime this afternoon. I do have some decent literature on this, so I know how to set it up correctly.

Thanks again for the advice. I imagine that I will be bringing it down to Shelton sooner or later...

From the looks of the cowl top, it appears to be a 1958 Mark 78.

I stand corrected, thanks.

All right guys, again Thom, Dave and all, thanks for the help. The starter didn't engage on the lower cog (forward?) but did on the upper. Can the starter be saved or do I need something new/old?
The switch in the box is not working, may be the wiring. I don't have my meter here with me but will check later.
Thanks
serial number 1192389 Mark 78E

Now that I have the motor, I need a boat. Any suggestions?

Thom,
Will the starter spin both directions, but just not fast enough to get the top bendix gear to come down?
If so,...It could just need a good cleaning of the commutator, end bushings, & bendix guides.
There is a wooden runabout carcass up at Lake Cushman (state of Washington) that would be a free-bee.
It needs lots of work, but would probably be a nice match for the Mark 78.
I think it is around 13 ft, two cockpit, lots of ribs. It has a pot metal logo 'Imperial' on it.
The owner prefers to see it rescued rather than cut up.
Pictures & the owner's phone number are available.
Thom