High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

[jeff_smith_0423]

I'm redoing the entire ignition on a new-to-me 68 'Johnson 9.5 The original wires are shot. The assembly is OMC 0580186. I'm not having any luck sourcing them. I tried to make my own leads with modern spark plug wire but can't get a spark through them (carbon graphite cores?). I've been to five different shops and can't source the copper wire. What's the solution?

 

[James R]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

OMC made plug wire kits for most models. A good dealer should be able to find what you need.My dealer may have the items in stock or can get them. Info@couicksmarine.com. He owns a 9.5 as I do and he has had two before that. Great little motors.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Yeah, unfortunately it is a "dealer direct" part and BRP doesn't list anyone in my state that has them. I'm guessing i'm going to have to make a set - which shouldn't be a big deal, i just can't source the proper wire.

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Laings outboards sells them. p/n SPW1. Unfortunately (or not) the spark plug boots on those are bright blue . I found some 7mm copper core spark plug wire at the local Car Quest store (bright yellow ). Find an auto parts store that caters to the hot rod crowd. They'll be more likely to have it than your local Napa store.


That said, I can't believe they're that hard to find at the local outboard dealer, although I've never actually tried to look. I just assumed every dealer would have a roll on hand. It'd be like an automotive repair shop not stocking oil filters!

Cheers................Todd

 

[iwombat]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Napa generally has solid core wire (you don't necessarily need copper core).

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Yeah, I'm not too concerned about color, just have to be able to move a spark. NAPA and Carquest sent me to our local lawnmower shop, who just sort of laughed. Unfortunately none of the marine stores i trust were open long enough to get out there. I'll have to try later in the week or order them. Sorta bummed since i waited until friday night to replace the coils, condeners and points. If i started earlier i would have been able to find something that would work this morning.

Has anyone had any luck rigging the newer stranded core wire? I'm just irritated that I bought it at this point.

 

[iwombat]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

*slaps forehead*

I meant metal core wire above.

Stranded is what will come in the OEM kits.

 

[steelespike]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Here at iboats sierra 18-5225 plug wire kit.listed for Johnson but same as Evinrude.

 

[joho5]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

I just went to the local parts store and got regular spark plug wire and boots and did my own. It works like champ.

I am not sure why the ones you picked up at napa wont work. All they do is screw onto the coil, well at least the Sierra brand coils.

 

[jeff_smith_0423]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

Maybe something else is amiss, but I certainly tried. The wire I was able to get has a very thin, fiber core. I think it's made of graphite or some sort of carbon strand. Neither store had anything with a metallic core in store. I assembled the wire and boots and wasn't able to get a spark at all. Maybe someone who's tried this can comment. I've ordered metallic core wire with the boots pre-installed. i won't be able to screw that one up, for sure.

 

[iwombat]

Re: High Tension Leads (spark plug) 1968 9.5

For future reference - british bikes use metallic core wire too. Maybe there's a shop near you.