Ignition systems

kat-a-tonik

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 27, 2013
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123
I have 2 ignition systems that are not on motors, one is off of a 66 Johnson 20hp, the other is also off of a mid 60s 18hp Johnson, my question is can I test the condensers and coils off the motors and if so how
 

schematic

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jan 12, 2008
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1,102
with proper equipment you can. it takes more than just an ohmmeter to test for a absolute diagnosis. Most people will not have access to the tools needed for a "proper" check. You can check for continuity of the coil windings, but that won't rule out leakage. Condenser can be checked the same way, but its not definitive.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
Test #1, Look at them. If the coils are cracked or dried-out, sweaty-looking, they are shot. No need to test them.
Test #2, Check the coil primary winding with an ohmmeter. Should be around an Ohm. Failure is extremely rare.
Test $3 Check the coil secondary winding with an ohmmeter. Should be a few k-ohms. Don't get all hung up on the actual numbers.
As said, these coil tests are not an indication of high voltage leakage.

Test #4 You can make a crude test on the condensers with a analog ohmmeter. When you touch the leads to the wire and case, the needle will jump toward zero and drift back toward infinity. How far it goes toward infinity is an indication of leakage. They all leak some. How fast it drifts toward infinity is an indication of capacity. So how to interpret the results? Compare with a new one. But if you have new ones on hand why are you testing them anyway?
 

kat-a-tonik

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jul 27, 2013
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123
Thanks for the Info, I don't have new ones F_R I have an old 57 Johnson that I want to get running and If I can do it without buying too many new parts, all the better.
 

bspeth

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 30, 2013
Messages
758
Have a close look at the coils then put it together and test for spark Kat.
 
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schematic

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jan 12, 2008
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Test #2, Check the coil primary winding with an ohmmeter. Should be around an Ohm. Failure is extremely rare.

I have seen several primary failures caused by incorrect application of 12v to the kill circuit. Sometimes will take out the points as well. LOL
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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38,518
A shop with a ---MERC-O-TRONIC ---magneto analyzer can test the coils / condensers in minutes.---Also test condensers when warmed up to running condition.--They often fail the test when warm !
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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Jul 7, 2006
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28,226
I have seen several primary failures caused by incorrect application of 12v to the kill circuit. Sometimes will take out the points as well. LOL

Well sure, in that case. Sometimes they explode too. Moral is don't be putting 12V to a magneto.
 
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