ignition plate

[kat-a-tonik]

I have a 1958 18hp Johnson, the ignition plate has a minute amount of side to side play in it, I'm guessing this should not be like this, I think this led to my flywheel loosening several times and shearing the flywheel key the last time I had the engine out.

 

[Daviet]

Re: ignition plate

It is not uncommon for there to be some play in the mag plate.
That should have no effect on the flywheel shearing the key. Did you torque it to the proper spec?

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Re: ignition plate

Actually I just tightened the nut tight, I will torque it to specs when I put it back together again, I cant find a flywheel key like the one that was on it so I am having one made by a machine shop luckily free of charge

 

[Daviet]

Re: ignition plate

Do you have a NAPA store in your area? They carry a brand of aftermarket parts called SIERRA, I think they make the proper key that you need. You shouldn't use just any old key, it should be specific to the marine engine.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: ignition plate

Here are some handy links for your motor.

Maintaining Johnson E & FD Serie
1958 Johnson FDE-12 18 hp Outboard Motor Parts

 

[HighTrim]

Re: ignition plate

As stated, get an OEM key, no hardware store keys or the like. They will shear, guaranteed. Ensure taper is clean. Does the flywheel move fore and aft, or just wobble in the mag plate?

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Re: ignition plate

Yeah, I tried NAPA they have gotten me parts for this motor in the past but they didn't have and couldn't get this particular key, it's an odd key I have never seen one like it, its a combination of a half moon key in the middle of a long tapered key, when I get the key back I will post a pic.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Re: ignition plate

The flywheel doesn't move, the ignition plate under the flywheel has a little play in it, the flywheel may have sheared the pin because I didn't torque the nut to specs, I just tightened it down.

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Re: ignition plate

Thanks, I will check out these links

 

[kat-a-tonik]

Re: ignition plate

I have checked Marine Engine parts but the key they show that goes to this motor doesn't match the one that came off of it

 

[nwcove]

Re: ignition plate

Evinrude Johnson OMC 0120395 - Key @ MarineEngine.com

your key should look like that^. if its different, someone may have already used the wrong part. jmo