1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

[yelraf]

I changed the impeller/housing and gear case seal, and installed a key switch (5 terminal). I cleaned the carb (sort of - I just hit it with some carb cleaner from the outside as it looked fairly clean, and I didn't want to screw up something that looked OK)

I filled the gear case with oil, mixed some fuel, and put her in a barrel.

I turned the key, and nothing. So I traced the wiring and noticed that a heavy gauge cable on the starter bracket was disconnected. So I checked my manual and it said to ground it. So I attached it to the ground on my wiring harness.

The starter then fired right up . . . but I couldn't get ignition.

So, I checked compression - Fine.
I checked for fuel - Fine, it spit out the plug hole when I turned the motor over.
then I checked for spark - no spark.
So I went and bought new plugs. Still no spark.
Then I disconnected the vacuum cut out switch (I think). Still no spark.

Now I am worried about taking off the flywheel bc I've never done that before.

Do I really need to do that? Are condenser, points and coils the next things to check?

Let me give a little history on this motor. I bought it on ebay (yes i know - bad idea - trust me it won't happen again). The seller seemed reputable, but now I wonder if he really knew what he was talking about.

He sold it to me with a 4 terminal key switch, which I now know is VERY BAD.
But the switch wasn't hooked up, and it wouldn't have worked anyway bc the starter wasn't grounded.

The old spark plugs seemed OK. They electrodes were dark gray but clean, (not fluffy brown).

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

That motor has a dual coil, dual points and dual condenser magneto ignition. On the flywheel there should be a removeable cover that allows you to set the points thru the hole in the flywheel.

First clean the points with a strip of a business card soaked in alcohol. Next set the points to .020, at max opening. Now check for spark. If no spark disconnect black wire that comes out from under the flywheel. That is the spark killer wire. If still no spark, you need to pull the flywheel, and replace the condensers and perhaps the coils.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

you can also turn the flywheel when the inspection plate is off. and see the coils. if the are cracked or look like this the are toast. if the previous owner hit them with 12 volts directly they are toast. these in this picture are toast. it's the same motor as yours. it's easier to replace everything if you have to pull the flywheel. special procedure to pull flywheel

 

[yelraf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

Thanks Chris,
So, I remove the cream plate from the top of the motor (5ish bolts) and look for the flywheel hole.

Clean and set the points. If I have spark - I am all set. If not then I should disconnect the "spark killer wire."

Where do I disconnect it from? And what does that tell me if I have spark when that wire is disconnected? Do I just tape it up and leave it?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[yelraf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

Thanks TD,
Good to know that I should be able to see the coils without pulling the flywheel. I am a little worried that they will be damaged. If they are damaged, do I have to replace anything else? Or will I be fine just changing the coils?

How much is the flywheel puller tool, and new set of coils and anything else I should change?

Thanks for the help everyone. Although I haven't gotten her started yet, I feel like I've made progress - which means alot to me.

Mike

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

when i pull a flywheel i change it all. no point in going 1/2 way. you've checked compression, so you know you have a good base. the electrical guts, carb kit, and impeller will run between 170-200 dollars, but you will have a like new motor, that is dependable. laingsoutboards.com has all the parts, if you order all at one time you save bunches on shipping.

 

[yelraf]

Re: 1958 Johnson 35hp - No Spark

I pulled the flywheel and both coils were shattered. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.