Ignition conversion

Joined
Jun 1, 2019
Messages
7
Want to convert from points to electronic ignition on 1974 9.9 johnson outboard using nova or nova2 ignition modules. Has anyone done this and how successful was it?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Maybe it will help, maybe not. No, I haven't tried it. But I will say those motors had a host of problems, other than the ignition. My personal guess is that what you are contemplating won't do what you are expecting. BTW, what are you expecting anyway?
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,933
I have installed dozens of the Atom modules when they were available the Serria Marine. The duck hunters loved em as quick starting, great idle as most of the armature plates was worn, quick throttle response and cheap too.
 

ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
I use the universal ignition modules instead of nova11.very impressed they work great. Very easy starting smooth low idle and quick smooth high throttle.will put points and condensers in the garbage from now on.
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2019
Messages
7
Well I install them. Had spark for about 10 seconds then nothing. Will go back to points for now until I get more information.
 

flyingscott

Fleet Admiral
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Apr 8, 2014
Messages
8,234
Here is the problem I think you will have. You have the low tension magneto that use that extra coil under the flywheel. And those flywheels have 2 magnets in them and I believe the Noav 2s work with only one magnet. The ATOM or Nova 2 work better for the older style magneto that had the coils under the flywheel. I have had good luck converting those motors to the newer style OMC Cdi ignition. If you can find a complete one you can retrofit it. That also.solves one of the bigger problems on those motors. The poorly maxhined magneto rings.
 
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ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
It is supposed to work on the 9.9 pull start that has 1 coil and 2 magnets.the 1 coil sparking cylinder 1 from 1 magnet and then the same coil sparking cylinder 2 from the other magnet.it may be that is what you have and it isn't working.you may be better of doing the cdi conversion like flyingscott stated.
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2019
Messages
7
Going back with new points/condensers for now. These earlier 9.9's. (74-76) had a jumper coil that sent a voltage to the 2 secondary coils mounted on the side of the powerhead. The + side of the nova chip was connected to the blue wires. One from the jumper coil and one to the secondary coil. - side of chip was grounded. Had excellent spark for 5-10 seconds when the electric start was fired then nothing. There is no charging system on this motor.
 

ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
Yeah its to bad there isn't a way to make them work on that model.that's probably a more accurate statement of the one coil under the fly wheel than what I was saying. They possibly may work but you would probably have to loose the electric start. Might not be worth it if it did work that way.
 

ricklum

Seaman
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May 5, 2019
Messages
54
ricklum;n10749678]Yeah its to bad there isn't a way to make them work on that model.that's probably a more accurate statement of the one coil under the fly wheel than what I was saying. They possibly may work but you would probably have to loose the electric start. Might not be worth it if it did work that way. Can't have a battery hooked up with nova11
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
I’ve converted a few to the later CDI style with good results. However, to do it right, it helps to have the cylinder head and exhaust cover from the later motor, too. The plug angle changed, so the head is needed, and the exhaust cover has the bosses to mount the power pack. It also has the telltale outlet, which is nice to have.
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2019
Messages
7
Hi Ricklum.
I'm the one who installed the electric start. Purposely omitted the charging system as being more costly than it was worth. I was wondering if I wired the nova chips in wrong. Negative side was grounded and the positive side was wired to the coils.
 
Joined
Jun 1, 2019
Messages
7
It now seems conversion is the least of my issues with this 9.9. Found the armature plate bearing th ave a crack in it. Plate is a little loose laterally. Ignition is good with strong spark from both coils. Head gasket also had to be replaced due to impeller failure in the test tank. That problem didn't show till after the impeller was replaced and was underway on the lake. Motor shut down and wouldn't run above idle. A mixture of issues. Almost unscrewed the clamps and deep sized the motor. Once it's right again I'll probably sell it to feed my big boat.
 

ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
I think u had them wired correctly some motors work with negative ground and some with positive ground. If they don't work one way than you simply switch the two wires on the module end. It is probably the electric start interfering with modules. I hope they are not wrecked from that
 

ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
Yeah I believe your right about that it,shouldn't be connected to ignition at all. What about the kill switch would it be connected to the electric start.
 

ricklum

Seaman
Joined
May 5, 2019
Messages
54
If there was a charging system on it that could interfere with modules but he said there isn't one on it
 
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