1965 West Bend 50 HP Outboard with No Spark

[gaffer1950]

I have a 1965 West Bend 50 HP Outboard that was running fine when put away last year. When I attempted to start it today I found that there was no spark. It is a Magneto Ignition Motor. Thought the problem may be in the Ignition switch Blue & White Wires are connected to M Terminals and isolating them found that they are functioning properly open in run position and continuity in off. I then checked the two black wires at the terminal block with the blue & white wires disconnected that are connected to the points and found that there is continuity through a full revolution of the motor. If I am correct continuity should be lost when the points open. Hoping someone can confirm this before I pull the Flywheel to look for a problem with the points or is there something else I should be checking instead or in addition to (Coils or Condensers ?). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. THANKS!

 

[wickware]

My 1970 35hp Chrysler failed to start after I had recently replaced my switch thinking it was bad (due to not cranking or starting the nest season after a tarp outside).

1. I decided to hotwire to crank at the solenoid with the switch on to not kill my mag ignition.
2. The monster fired and ran, letting me know my switch cranking contacts were not contacting.
3. I sprayed TV Tuner Spray into the switch (worked it on/off/cranking) and it has fired since.
4. If I’m following your info of you cranking but not firing. I wonder if tuner spray might help your switch.
5. Taking a look under the Fly might not be a bad idea if it‘s been a while. I would challenge disconnecting the mag’s kill at the switch that could be killing your spark. The mag does not need the Batt to produce fire but the switch does kill. Correct???
6. This will be my opportunity to add an attachment on this upgraded system. Tell me how. LOL!

 

[byacey]

The ignition switch shorts out the blue and white wire to kill the engine. You can't measure the magnetos and points very easily because the magneto coils are very low resistance measured between the . With a good meter you might see a small change between points open and points closed.

I would disconnect both magneto wires that run to the ignition switch at the engine terminal block and see it it fires. If not, you need to pull the flywheel. On these old motors it's common for the point contacts to be contaminated with oil seepage from the top crankshaft seal; It could also be a thin layer of oxide that formed on the points over the winter. It really doesn't take much contamination for the point contacts to disable the magnetos. Check and carefully adjust the point gaps if needed, while you have the flywheel off.

Also check the inside of the flywheel for surface rust. Usually the oil seepage from the top seal helps prevent this, but if any rust forms on the magnet surfaces it can reduce the magnetic flux. Clean with 220 grit sandpaper and apply a light coat of Tremclad or Rustoleum spray paint afterwards.

 

[wickware]

A follow-up would be interesting before the post is moved. It should have fired by now!!!