58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

[pwrcrzy]

Hello all,
I'm still having ignition troubles with my big twin. I have replaced the points/condenser/coils/ignition wires/breaker plate wiring to find out I am losing spark on one cylinder when I accelerate. It's misfiring at idle as well, just not as noticable. It will not accelerate on the lake, no power at all and sounds like a new car with your foot on the pedal and the rev limiter is going off. This is because the cylinder is trying to fire, causing odd bursts of power. I have removed the breaker plate to find that the brass bushing was worn thin on one side. A local outboard shop said that would cause this, but when I have the plate installed and put in gear to accelerate, engnie off, I do not seem to lose any huge point gap loss. It's not rocket science here, just a magneto ignition. I have also again replaced the ignition coil to see no differences. It actually runs the same as before I touched it. Does anyone have any advice before I send it to the bottom of the lake?LOL

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

unhook the vacuum cut off switch and see if it still does it. Sound like it might be malfunctioning.

 

[pwrcrzy]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

Thanks for the reply Freddie,
I have unhooked the switch out on the water along with the ign. switch wire so no chance of either coil grounding with no luck. I know these motors are old and many have seen much use but is the breaker plate a common item to replace? It seems to be worn, but the points do not lose much gap so I just can't see this as a major problem, and if so, where do I find one which is not worn out like mine?

thanks
David

 

[Chris1956]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

That plate needs to be a precise fit, yet able to swivel to advance the timing. if it is loose, it will wobble and cause all sorts of issues with the ignition. Are you sure the flywheel is not rubbing the point wires? killer wire? or spark plug wires?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

Are you sure you got the spark plug wires properly installed into the coils? Also, the spark plug wires have to be very carefully routed or they can pull free of the coils. It's not an uncommon problem when someone rebuilds the ignition.

 

[pwrcrzy]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

Thanks for the replies,
Yes I have checked and nothing is being rubbed from the flywheel, also I replaced the coils with Sierra brand from carquest. I was actually quite happy with them as the pin in the coil was threaded to a sort wher the ignition wire was screwed onto them and the boot pulled up. I replaced the wires with the wire core ones and am pretty sure they are a good fit. Believe me it was time consuming to refit the breaker plate because I was sure that was it. Is there a way to replace the brass bushing in it?

Thanks again

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

(Magneto Armature Plate)

If the armature plate has a a loose fitting, wobbling motion (the plate that the points, coils etc are attached to), it is usually caused by a slightly worn support ring. This allows the point setting to change erratically as the armature plate turns. The cure is to remove the armature plate so that the support which is attached to the powerhead with 4 screws is visible. Then, with a screwdriver and hammer, or some tool of your choosing, and looking straight down at the support ring, make an indentation at what would be called the 12, 3, 6, and 9 O'clock positions. Install the armature plate and check for a smooth turning wobble free movement.You may need to do that procedure a few times to obtain the proper fit (not too tight, not too loose), but it's worth the effort."

*** (I think credit goes to J. Reeves for this text)

 

[pwrcrzy]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

Thanks a lot...I know exactly what you are talking about. I had taken it off to inspect it, seemed ok to me but I would try anything now to keep her on the boat. The brass bushing in the center of the armature plate is visibly worn on one side pretty thin, the thing is that I bought one on ebay and it has the exact same play in it lifting the sides. This thing is really confusing me now so I will try it tomorrow. Thanks again.
By the way I have run across a few parts motors locally for sale, 59,and two 62 johnson 35 and 40's. I would assume that something in this pile will get the ol girl back in shape. To think I was even considering a mercury...Guess I should not bark at that dog yet.

Thanks

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

58 was a transition year. What will mate up if you consider replacing the powerhead depends on getting an exact match. If yours is an early 58, 35hp, without the silent housing below the powerhead and the old style cowls your donor motor should match it or it may not bolt up. I know the 35hp Johnsons went through a big change in 58...changes that solidified into the later 40hp twins...but don't know if the same occurred with Evinrude. Photos would help alot by giving us a sure frame of reference.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 58 Big Twin 35 Rude - Ignition Woes Continue

I probably have a good one it you need it.