TOPIC: 1979 40hp no spark

i recently picked up a 1979 40hp electric start with no spark. i removed the orange wire from the switchbox and checked it with my ohm meter to see if it was grounding out. i then checked the orange wire to the switchbox and that showed a short to ground, that didn't seen right so i went to my 9.8 hp which has a good spark with a similar switchbox and that orange wire showed about 1800 ohms. i'm thinking my switchbox is no good. any ideas or suggestions?
thanks