power pack failure

[david_r]

first of all the model is '79 johnson 115tl79r.

i went fishing today......well tried.

the motor didnt want to start and when it did it was running on 2 cyls............no fire on port side.....i had a hunch it was the power pack.

i had some extras from a parts motor i just bought, so i swapped them (both) out and it ran like a dream again.

my question is does this just happen or do i need to run some diagnostics on some other elec components to find the reason?.........by the way when i pulled the cowl the top coil on the port side had come loose--along with the ground wire.......is this my culprit? .........im still new to the elec troubleshooting on outboards.

 

[splitshot]

Re: power pack failure

most of the time they just wear out...look for other things that might have worked theirselves loose but it was probably just time for it to go

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: power pack failure

usually they just get tired and quit.

 

[david_r]

Re: power pack failure

thanks guys!!

i was afraid to run it without checking with you guys first. i have all the rest of the elec components, but i dont want to use them unless i have to.

the known good power pack has been added to my spare parts bag in the boat.....along with a pair of coils....and too many other small goodies to list.

 

[Randybeall]

Re: power pack failure

If the top coil on the port side was loose that would have affected the ground circuit of the coil and the only easy path of the spark discharge was back through the power pack. Where the power pack puts out 200 to 500 volts to fire the coil, it does not like getting back 10,000 to 30,000 volts. Ground circuit is VERY important in ignition. If you have time you might put that power pack back on and see if it is good or bad. No since in carrying a toasted spare.