No spark johnson 60 hp -92

[larzon]

Hi all,

I can't find the problem with my outboard. I just bought it so don't know much background, but according to previous owner it was running fine 2 years ago when he used it last time. 1 week ago I tried and tried and finally got it started with my car battery. So I went and bought a new battery, changed the key switch (that was bad) and then it didn't start. So I changed back to the car battery and old key switch but couldn't get it running again. Can mention that when it started it started very easy.

What I did so far is:
- disconnected the kill switch (black/yellow) going to the power pack (?).
-Tried with the big red plug unplugged to jump the starter with a separate cable drawn from the battery. -Cleaned all electrical connections.
Unplugged the two yellow wires going from stator to restifier (?)
-measured the resistance of the stator (brown to brown/yellow) got around 800-900 ohms, Ok?


Don't know much about boat electric but is used to troubleshoot with a voltmeter.

How would you go about to troubleshoot this problem. As it has started I'm thinking that it is something small, but maybe malfunction component can be behave like this? Of course tried to read every thread I can find, but can't Find the problem.

Thanks!

 

[Little Richard]

I would think being new to you a compression test first. Then check the basics. Spark (use gap tester see if it's jumping 7/16 inch strong and consistent). Fuel (pull plugs and inspect them for being fouled out and see if they are wet with fuel). Fuel might not be making it to them for some reason. Check timing with timing light. So to sum it up if you have good compression, spark, fuel, and timing is fine and kill switch is operating correctly. I would thing it would fire up at least. If any of these fail then you know where to focus your efforts

 

[larzon]

Thanks for the reply. I did compression test. The spark plugs are new. I followed the gas to the carburetors so I know I have gas there. But the problem as I have seen is the spark. I checked it by taking one out and grounding to the engine block.

 

[Little Richard]

An adjustable gap tester for spark is 8.00 at autozone. Are you saying you are not getting any spark at all

 

[Little Richard]

If your not getting spark on any cylinders. And kill switch has been disconnected and nothing. You can get a DVA adaptor for you voltmeter and test voltage coming off your stator to your power pack. Test voltage coming from your timer base. If these check out ok I'm leaning toward a bad power pack. you can go to cdi electronics trouble shooting and follow their procedures to narrow down the culprit. However you will need the DVA adaptor roughly 20-30 dollars.

 

[larzon]

Now I finally had the time to do some troubleshooting. With all spark plugs disconnected I actually got a weak spark on the spark plug. This should mean that the starter or the solenoid is bad right? The starter solenoid definitely seems to be bad now as it almost gives no output to the starter. Before it has been turning the engine (and from my judgment at good speed). Will replace the solenoid and hope that that helps. I'm living in Sweden and outboard parts are really expensive here. Do you have any recommendations on good stores in the states or another country? I have a guy that can send it to me in Sweden if they don't ship here.

 

[jakedaawg]

1st, put away the jumper cables. All they will do is blow your rectifier/regulator.

Properly install a key/kill switch.

Get a known good battery that has been load tested.

Take out the plugs. Make sure it cranking over 250rpm when testing. If not, take the starter down and inspect it. Super easy to open up and check brushes and commutator.

Use an open air gap spark tester at 7/16". Report results.

 

[Little Richard]

I agree. Until you confirm spark will or will not jump this 7/16 gap strong and consistent your just guessing. It gives you a point in which to start testing the correct problem. Google cdi electronics trouble shooting. It will lay it all out for you. If spark is good and strong and jumps that gap consistently probably timing or fuel or compression. If spark is weak or intermittent you should start testing stator, timer base, power pack and coil packs. And to test these voltages you'll need DVA adaptor for voltmeter cost around 30.00. It's better to do this and find the correct part than guessing and throwing hard earned money at it with no results

 

[larzon]

Now I finally got it started. Replaced the starter solenoid and also found a bad connection in the starter. After fixing these things I finally got a spark. Now to my next problem, bad idling. To keep it running I had to push the primer or increase the throttle. How do you do to adjust the idling at your engines?

 

[jakedaawg]

Probably need to clean the carbs