Ignition change from 1978 to 1979+

[cdoliver]

Hi, I just bought a boat with a 1978 Jhonny 150 on it. One of the power packs is bad on just one of the coil outputs. First, is there something I can do to fix this pack? Second, If I have to replace this pack, can I change to the 1979+ pack style? I'd like to know if there would be any reason to think these are better than the old style pack. Got a great deal on the boat/motor, it has 120psi all the way around. I'd like to make it reliable. The coils are all rusty, but they work. Other thing is, Spark seems to be weak on the others that work. It won't jump a 7/16 gap. Only about 1/4". Is this normal for this pack? Suggestions?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Ignition change from 1978 to 1979+

I would replace the coils and wires, they sound original. The spark should jump the gap on that motor a good 7/16 of an inch with a bright blue ZAP!! Ill take a guess that you are testing in the driveway? They wont fire sufficiently on the water under load.

The packs are different as you know, and are not interchangable. If in fact it is testing bad, you will need to replace with part number 0582556. What is it that is making you think 1 of the packs is faulty in the first place?

 

[cdoliver]

Re: Ignition change from 1978 to 1979+

I tested the spark in the driveway, yes. #4 coil will not have spark unless I switch the wire inside the pack with a working one (output to the coil) I also swapped the input from the stator to the pack with no change( getting input from the stator on both sides. I was just thinking that if I have to replace the coils with all new ones, and one of the packs, I might as well get packs from a '79 and coils from a '79. Thought they might be a better system. I'm sure the plug wires are bad as if I have them against any ground they will ground through the wire. Thanks for the help.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Ignition change from 1978 to 1979+

The 78 block may not have the correct mounting holes for the newer 79-style packs.