no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

[actionjackson]

i have a 1962 40 hp superseahorse johnson (rk-24L). rebuilt fuel system and water system, tried to start it and i am only getting spark in the top cylinder. what could be some possible causes, how can I trouble shoot, and if the top cylinder is firing shouldn't the motor kick that cylinder and at least show me that it could start ?(if the lower plug sparked)

thank you very much for any help. I have a bachelor/fishing party in two weeks!!!!!!!!!

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

Could be one of three things:
The coil for that plug is bad
The points for that plug are worn or mis adjusted
The condensor for that plug is bad.

If you have not done the electronics under the flywheel in the past, might be time to do them all. It is a fairly easy job. My first time working on my own outobard was a 1960 40hp. Replacing everything is not too expensive, around $60 if I remember correctly. The only special tools you will need is a flywheel puller (can get it from the auto parts store, some even have a loaner tool program) some grade 8 1/4" 20 bolts to connect it to the flywheel and a 0.20 feeler gauge to set the points.

All the parts can be found here on Iboats. I think there may be something in the top secret file at the top of the page on doing the points, condensor and coils on this motor.

As I said, it is a rather easy job. Post up if you have any other questions.

 

[actionjackson]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

I've been reading alot here and found some really good stuff, I have found that one wire to the cutout switch is always grounded regardless of key position, does that mean that there is a short under the flywheel

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

only one way to tell. Read the TOP SECRET FILE and :

PULLING FLYWHEEL

you need a harmonic balancer puller, you need 3 - #8 harden bolts, that fit the 3 holes in your flywheel. standard hardware store bolts will strip out, causing more problems. loosen the flywheel nut, leaving it on so it protects the thread. thread the bolts in 7/16 of an inch. then tighten the puller, adjust so it has a straight pull. now tighten the puller, rap the center bolt with a hammer, then tighten some more. you may have to let it sit over nite, and repeat in the morning. this is a compression fitting, it will eventually POP!!. do not loose the woodruff key that goes in the groove of the flywheel and the crank shaft. then installing the flywheel, it has to be totally clean, no oil, woodruff key in place. then torque the nut to the specifications for your particular motor. if you do not do this, the woodruff key with shear, and you will be repeating these steps.

 

[actionjackson]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

cool, thanks for the info. but what is this about top secret files, is it just a saying you guys use on here or how do i access these top secret files? while i'm in there i'm just gonna do the points and condensor, should i suck it up and do the coils too?

 

[actionjackson]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

another quick question, when changing the lower gear fluid in my elecramatic(type c) the plastic seals appeared to be fine, should I have changed them anyway?

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

The top secret file is located as a sticky at the top of the johnson & evinrude outboards forum. I think TD named it the top secret file to entice people to read it, thus finding common answers before posting questions.

As for the seals, replace them. Where I work we use teflon gaskets to seal up process piping. They always look fine, but take a set based on their position when they are clamped into place. The same for plastic. They do not spring back into shape the way rubber does.

 

[actionjackson]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

i can't believe i got any spark at all!!! the coils were both shot, and after replacing everything under the flywheel ahe runs great, except i need to try to get WOT. seems to be idling down on WOT

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: no spark in lower cyl. 40 hp johnson

Since you had the carbs off did you do a link and sync afterwards? On these motors it is fairly easy. I think there is something listed about it in the FAQ file for motors (found in the main forum list). You may also need to adjust the high speed needle, but before you mess with the carb, do the link and sync.