Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

[Flashcat]

My 68 Johnson 33hp OB has run great, Today I moved the boat from one side of the yard to the other, Now it won't run. I've done the usual troubleshooting. It seems that the 2 cutoff wires are shorted somehow. When I put the tester on them they have continuity with each other, and both to the block. I know they should not have continuity with each other unless the ignition switch is in the OFF position. I have taken all the wires off, as far as below the flywheel, so I know it's not an issue of crossed wires. My question is this:
If the points went bad would it cause the wires to short to each other? (I've got the PB buster soaking and the big sockets out, but I'd like to avoid the epic battle of getting the flywheel off a 30+ y/o engine)
Any other thought on what may have caused this? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

If you've disconnected the wires back to the flywheel you have isolated the ignition circuit and that should solve the issue. There's not much else to do. The chances of both point systems failing at the same time is pretty slim. It must be something else. Moving it really shouldn't do anything.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

My only suggestion, is to bring the lake, to the part of the yard where the motor will run. Problem solved

 

[Flashcat]

Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

Solved the problem, sheared flywheel key. It must have been just hanging on and when I moved it it failed. Thanks for the replies.

Zephyr,
I looked into your suggestion, turns out that in Florida you need a special permit to put a lake in your yard, who knew?