1964 18 hp no spark help

[trucker28]

Hi all, I am new to this great sit here with great info and was looking for some help I just picked up a 1964 18hp johnson. My question is there is no spark from the plugs and was wondering what would be the first thing to look at or change thanks

 

[jasper60103]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

Welcome aboard.

Do a spark test.
You can buy a spark tester for ~$7 at an auto parts store.

 

[Woodstock60]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

If you do a spark test and your sure there is none, you will have to pull the flywheel and check the points, condensors and coils. not as hard as it sounds but you will need some basic tools and a steering wheel puller. ( very inexpensive tool at auto parts store) also while you are there pick up a feeler gauge for the points.

 

[Mas]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

You may just need to clean up the points.

You should also plan on doing a compression check to make sure the motor is viable. If so, plan on replacing the water pump and cleaning the carb.

MAS

 

[trucker28]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

If you do a spark test and your sure there is none, you will have to pull the flywheel and check the points, condensors and coils. not as hard as it sounds but you will need some basic tools and a steering wheel puller. ( very inexpensive tool at auto parts store) also while you are there pick up a feeler gauge for the points.

Thanks for the feed back guys i have a puller but what is a feeler gauge for cause I have thought about changing the points and condensors do you think that maybe that could be the problem.

 

[trucker28]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

You may just need to clean up the points.

You should also plan on doing a compression check to make sure the motor is viable. If so, plan on replacing the water pump and cleaning the carb.

MAS

I am sorry but what do you mean by VIABLE

 

[Mas]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

A feeler gauge is a set of measured thicknesses of steel used to set gaps on things like spark plugs and points...among other things.

MAS

 

[Mas]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

I am sorry but what do you mean by VIABLE

Viable means worth fixing! If the compression psi is about 100 on each cylinder...then it's viable! Below 90 psi is a concern.

MAS

 

[trucker28]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

Viable means worth fixing! If the compression psi is about 100 on each cylinder...then it's viable! Below 90 psi is a concern.

MAS

Oh thanks one more question for ya do you know how to check the compression

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

You might check the "top secret stuff" section at the top. there's a thread about coil changing and points setting that has pics. It's a different model ut uses the same magneto as your motor so it's identical in the spark production respect.
If the coils look really nice and clean with no cracks---you might try to clean the points. Any of those electrical components could be bad even if they look fine, though. I'd try resurfacing/gapping the points first if the coils aren't obviously bad.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[Mas]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

You can buy a compression tester at any auto parts...probably for under 30$

MAS

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

And it's a harmonic balancer puller to pull the flywheel, not a steering wheel puller. 1/4-20 bolts. #8 grade

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

Good advice so far. Do a compression test...100+ lbs. in each cylinder is ideal. The two readings should be within 10-15 percent of each other. One high, one low spells trouble in most cases. If the compression is low, spray some penetrating oil the cylinders and let it sit a few days to loosen up the rings...might be higher on the second test after sitting with the oil in it. I have seen those motors start and run with compression below 75, but not well. They will be hard to start, sometimes run good at higher speeds, but cannot idle well if the compression is too low. The compression test tells you whether it's worth spending time and money on it.

 

[Woodstock60]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

And it's a harmonic balancer puller to pull the flywheel, not a steering wheel puller. 1/4-20 bolts. #8 grade

I don't know what I was thinking.

 

[trucker28]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

Viable means worth fixing! If the compression psi is about 100 on each cylinder...then it's viable! Below 90 psi is a concern.

MAS

I did a compression test and they were both at 95psi i changed the condessors and the points and cleaned the carbs I got the motor running just really rough

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1964 18 hp no spark help

If you set the points at .018 or .020 and the condensors are good, you should be getting a good, hot, blue spark that will jump a 1/4 inch gap...if the coils are good. Bad coils are obvious...you will see the cracked casings. If you coils are good, check the FAQ thread about adjusting carbs with high- and low-speed jets/needles. Could be a dirty or mal-adjusted carb.