Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

[tigerone]

Just bought a boat with a 1969 Johnson 115 on it and am troubleshooting it. I've got 100-105 psi compression accross the board. When I test for spark though, I see nothing when turning it over. I fiddled witih the Power Pack, just tapping on it with my fingers, and found out that when I press on the skinnier portion of the pack (with the writing on it) I hear a crackle sound in the distributer area. I just happened to have the plug on the bottom left out from compression test and also noticed that it would throw spark when I pressed on the pack as described above. I found a wire with no rubber on it coming from the pack (black w/white stripe, there are two of them) I picked it up to look at it and this also caused spark from the same plug. I did this with all the other plugs and none but that one sparked when I fiddled with the wiring and pressed the Power Pack. I was not turning it over or anything at the time, just looking and touching. I will fix the bare wire.

Any ideas? New Powerpack? What kind of battery is the best for this motor? Also, won't go into neutral as mentioned in other posts.

It has been sitting for four years as well. What kind of tune ups should I be doing?

Any info is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

 

[tigerone]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

Also, I read somewhere that it may be possible to bypass the Pulse Pac. Is this true with this model and how can I do it.

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

69 115 were noted for going thru power packs every 3-4 years. had one for 15 years, bought it new. being a 1969 you have hydroelectric shift. the engine starts in forward, and has to have 12 volts to the solenoids in the lower gearcase to shift. here's a thread on that. read this http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=166519&highlight=electric+shift

 

[sledmonster]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

I have the exact motor. One issue could be the battery polarity, If you connect the battery backwards the power pack is toast. But if you are seeing some spark you may in luck. CDI electronics makes aftermarket packs for about half the price. Mine has been going now for 4 years. Keep a fresh battery and a good charging system and they should last a long time.


www.cdielectronics.com

 

[tigerone]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

Got her started today! A wire from the Powerpack harnes (black and white 1of 2) is peeling and bare wire is showing. By wiggling that I was able to get spark and fired the engine up. Should I replace whole wiring harness or just cut and splice to fix short?

What type of Battery is the best for this engine. 70+ Amp Hours? Deep Cycle? I really have no idea when it comes to batteries that won't kill the Powerpack.

Thanks for the info on the gear shifting problems. I will replace fluids and chech voltage tomorrow on solonoid.

Does anyone know how to check the starter solenoid for functionality? I don't think it works. I just jumped the starter with direct from battery.

Great forum and great advice.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

that motor takes a lot to start it. i run a 1988 88 spl, i use a group 27 1150 CCA battery, it's overkill, but for $20 more, the problem with the solenoid could be bad ignition switch, bad wiring harness, bad solenoid. you can test the solenoid, buy jumping from the post post that goes to battery. to one of the small terminals. on the solenoid. you have to have a fully charged battery. here's a link:
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=199136

 

[tigerone]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

Thanks for all the great help! I was in the water today and running. I am still only finding forward gear. Haven't done the test on lower solenoid yet as my dash wires look like they may be connected wrong or not at all. Would any of these wires not hooked up correctly have any bearing on the forward or reverse shifting?

Also, a definite short in the Powerpack. I have to have someone hold pressure on thin part of the pack where the wires go in for spark to remain constant. Any ideas on this? Is it possible to open up P. Pack firm up any loose connections inside? Other than these two items the engine runs solid.

Great info, and experience from those that know. THANKS!

 

[tigerone]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

I found that I was missing the lower drain/fill plug on lower unit; therefore no lube in L.U. Filled lower unit with premium lube as stated in other threads and of course it worked. Just got to give everything a once over. Again, thanks for the assistance. I am sure I will have more posts and more questions.

 

[tigerone]

Re: Johnson 115 1969 Powerpack and spark?

I am going to buy a new Pulse Pack for this engine. Will an after market brand suffice or do I need to go with original parts? Does anyone have any experience with this? Everything else is running great when she sparks.

Thanks