1961 Johnson Electric Seahorse 75hp won't start now.

[Clippership821]

Hi Folks,
Welcome back to another season of headaches. LOL. I took "The Queen" out for the first time Saturday. Started right up after being stored. Putted around for about a 1/2 hour before "no wake" was lifted and let her loose. Ran like a sewing machine. Damn she's fast....Anyways tested her out at different speeds for about 15 more minutes and headed back to the launch. Coming in she died right at the dock and wouldn't start back up. Next day tried, and tried but couldn't get started. It'd sputter for a few seconds and then die. Found a leak in the fuel line going to the carb. So I fixed that. Checked the plugs and they looked kinda black and oily. I replace the points, rotor and the wires and plugs end of last year. Any ideas? It seems like it's not getting any spark. BTW I put a new batch of gas in right before I had the trouble. 25 to 1 ratio.

Thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: 1961 Johnson Electric Seahorse 75hp won't start now.

Find out what the problem is that is causing no spark. We could give a ton of guesses, but you are the one looking at it.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: 1961 Johnson Electric Seahorse 75hp won't start now.

"It seems like it's not getting any spark" but did you check the spark? If it sputters, there's some spark. Have you taken the flywheel off recently? Sounds like your "testing at different speeds" may have sheared the flywheel key and now its timing is out of adjustment.
That could be all wrong and you've got something in the main jet stopping the needle valve from closing and it's flooding now. That could explain the wet plugs.
Follow the troubleshooting basics for spark, fuel & compression. You'll find something is missing.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 1961 Johnson Electric Seahorse 75hp won't start now.

Clipper, If you have no spark or weak spark, remove the distributor pulley cover and inspect the points and wiring between them. If the wire connecting the points has had its insulation rubbed off and is touching any of the metal, that will be your problem. The clearance is a bit tight under there, so proper wiring routing is essential.