is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Call me skeptical, but I find it odd that both holes dropped spark at the same time.

Sounds more like either a kill switch/key is off or broken, grounding out the coils.

Or the grinding noise was in fact the magnet on the flywheel giving up the ghost.


I could be wrong though.....:redface:

 

[lindy46]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Ok so I checked for a spark using the tool and no spark from either plug wire. I looked through the inspection hole and didn't find any evidence of cracked anything. Everything looked brand new! So there is a shop that has all ignition componets in stock so what do I need other than plug wires? I have pics but can't post do to me using an iPhone, I can post them at 4:30. Would someone like me to text them? I can pm my number but not sure if that's cool?

If the coils look ok, not cracked, then go ahead and clean the points with a point file or some 400 grit sandpaper. If you use sandpaper, make sure to clean off any residue - a little spritz of carb cleaner will do it. Then check the gap on the points and adjust to .020". The adjustment can be done right through the opening in the flywheel. Then re-check spark.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

ok will do where do i find a point file?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

hey Krs1. Lindy46is right, fine grit sand paper is fine. you don't need a special file. Just remove the flywheel and sand the points lightly and clean them thoroughly and reset the gap to .020" with a feeler gauge. be sure you do so when the cam is at its highest/TOP position and the point faces are at their maximum distance from each other. again, the maximum distance between the two faces of the points should be .020". no more no less. I usually remove the flywheel, then replace the flywheel nut and turn the motor over using a ratchet on the flywheel nut while setting the points. to actually adjust the distance between the two faces, there is a small adjustment screw at the base of each set of points. it looks like a flat head screw but it is NOT. you simply twist it left/right to open/close the distance between the faces of the points. it doesn't take much to adjust the distance so only slight adjustments should be needed. start with this, then try testing for spark again either using a gap tester or the s'plug on the body trick, then let us know what you get.

Here's a link to a vid of some guys sanding the points on their lawnmower, or something. obviously it's not an outboard, but the procedure is essentially the same.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OIcaiQhvAg

Here's a great link for all round engine maintenance. read all of these articles and you'll have a much better grasp of what your motor is all about.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/04/s/columns/max/24/index.cfm

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Ok people so I took off the fly wheel and points, coils, condensers where all good. The point where a little worn but a sand is no problem. Here is what went down, I bought the motor from previous owner that change all the above and didn't tighten the fly wheel nut to specified torch. There is a little notch on what I think is the crank shaft which fits in a groove in the fly wheel. This little piece broke. I took the motor to the local mechanic cuz this was over my head, he said this was prob the reason for the sudden stop of starting cuz it has to do with the timing and stuff. They are repairing and it will be done in the morning pacific coast time. That is all they are repairing so if it dosent fire then I'm going to take it from there. Any opinions??? Be honest

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

gotcha! that little piece is called a flywheel key (a.k.a. a woodruff key). it is designed to be shorn to prevent damage to the motor's crank shaft. however, it can be damaged by improper flywheel nut torque as you described. if the the flywheel nut is not tightened down enough the flywheel will not be properly seated on the cam and will wobble, especially at higher rpm, and eventually shear the flywheel key. the flywheel can even "walk" its way up and off the cam if the nut should come all the way off. it can be dangerous to you and your motor. just imagine a solid metal frisbee flying your motor at the back of your head at 4500 rpm...not good. it's good that you caught it and would explain the sudden loss of spark. if the key is indeed broken, it is easy to fix with a proper replacement key which should be available at a Johnson/Evinrude dealership. just be sure that any bits of the broken, old key are removed from the magneto too. you don't want little bits of metal flying around under there. a broken key might also help explain some of the grinding sounds you described earlier and why the pull starter wasn't engaging the flywheel correctly. I would let them replace the key and torque the flywheel nut down to the proper spec. I don't know it off hand, but be sure to look it up and tell them if they don't know. once the key is replaced and the flywheel and pull starter are reinstalled properly, test for spark using your in-line tester or the spark plug on the motor trick. if you have spark, then try and fire her up, if no spark, dbl. check the gap on the points and make sure the spark plug wires are properly seated in the coils. sometimes they can wiggle loos and prevent a proper spark. Keep us posted.

BTW: in addition to getting a new replacement key and removing and old bits, make sure both the cam and the flywheel bore are clean, dry and free of any oil or residues. the flywheel is really just held on the cam by good 'ol friction and torque from the flywheel nut. if there's any oil on the cam it may slip and slide a bit and shear another key.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Ok people so I took off the fly wheel and points, coils, condensers where all good. The point where a little worn but a sand is no problem. Here is what went down, I bought the motor from previous owner that change all the above and didn't tighten the fly wheel nut to specified torch. There is a little notch on what I think is the crank shaft which fits in a groove in the fly wheel. This little piece broke. I took the motor to the local mechanic cuz this was over my head, he said this was prob the reason for the sudden stop of starting cuz it has to do with the timing and stuff. They are repairing and it will be done in the morning pacific coast time. That is all they are repairing so if it dosent fire then I'm going to take it from there. Any opinions??? Be honest

I cam to him looking for parts and he told me take the coils off and bring them to him as he would check to see if they where good on his machine. Upon me getting to the coils is when I ran into this problem. I drove the motor down to them because I figured it was going to be something I couldn't deal with. He gave me the 411. I told him my whole story that it ran great prior and now it won't fire. He told me this had to be the problem and a easy fix on there part. This is a well known place and I'm sure the will fire her up for me before the return. They told me if they ran into problems they would give me a ring. Keep your fingers crossed it's just that piece!!!!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

fingers are crossed!!! keep us posted.

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Hello everyone! I got my motor back and everything works like new!!! they replaced the flywheel key and cleaned up the flywheel itself. They adjusted the carb, check the coils with the tool checked the compression 130's both cylinders. I'm really happy with there work and will recommend them to anyone in san Diego. I really appreciate everyones help on here and learned a lot about my motor through this week long ordeal. Iboats is the bomb!!!!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Merry Christmas!!! Running motor=best gift ever. glad you got her running again.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

You got 130's in compression?? Wow, that's great for a motor that's 55 years old. Take good care of it and it'll last ya another 55 years.

 

[rjezuit]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

It's good you have high compression, but most likely the gauge is reading high. I doubt they had 130 PSI new from the factory in '55. Rick

 

[Krs1]

Re: is working on a 55 fastwin diffiuclt?

Well known mechanic. All I know is he took care of me and pretty happy with the work! Don't be jealous lol