No spark on 1959 Seahorse

[gferail]

I have a 1959 50 hp Seahorse that has not run in about 5 years from what I am told. I have turned the engine over to check the compression and spark. Compression is 92 to 96 psi in all four cylinders but there is no spark. Are there any kill switches or wires that may be causing the engine not get spark and are there any precautions I should take before attempting to start the engine since it has been sitting for so long? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DJ]

Re: No spark on 1959 Seahorse

Stephen,<br /><br />Nothing mysterious about that engine. It does not need a battery to run, nor will it charge it.<br /><br />You're back to basics here.<br /><br />1. Points.<br /><br />2. Condensers.<br /><br />3. Coils.<br /><br />File the points, lightly, and check continuity on the coils.

 

[steelespike]

Re: No spark on 1959 Seahorse

While the 50 uses a magneto ignition it was surely<br />available with a generator.If not standard, as an<br />option.You need to work with a ser. manual.there are certain specific details of the magneto <br />distributor you need to know and understand.I<br />believe the motor uses a kill switch to stop the motor. If the switch is bad or the wiring shorted to ground it wont have spark.Most of these motors<br />will run with the cable unplugged from the motor<br />if you can crank it.If it does then the problem is in the kill circuit.You may be able to find a manual at the library.