5.5 Tecumseh Ted Williams Spark Issue

[BassFisher91]

Hello all,

just recently I purchased a 5.5 HP Tecumseh Ted Williams outboard motor for only 75 bucks, and from what I understand there is only one issue. When the slide/throttle control(?) is in the left hand side position, which I think is off, it gets spark, but when it's in the right hand side position, it gets no spark. I then flip-flop the wires on a part that was replaced by the first owner that almost looks like a little computer chip (Sorry I don't know the name of it), and get no spark in either on or off poistion. Any ideas? If you have any questions just let me know, and any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 5.5 Tecumseh Ted Williams Spark Issue

First It is most likely an Eska motor with a Tecumseh air cooled power head.
I don't believe there is a stop position( kill switch)per say.As far as no spark most likely you have a wire that is rubbing Or perhaps the timing is setup wrong.Timer base wobley.Check the low tension lead.

 

[BassFisher91]

Re: 5.5 Tecumseh Ted Williams Spark Issue

I am a total newbie when it comes to small engine repair, especially 2 stroke. I have no idea what the 'Timer Base' is, or the 'low tension lead'...any help? And it does get spark, just when the slide is to the left. Which isn't it supposed to get spark when it's to the right? No?

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: 5.5 Tecumseh Ted Williams Spark Issue

I am a total newbie when it comes to small engine repair, especially 2 stroke. I have no idea what the 'Timer Base' is, or the 'low tension lead'...any help? And it does get spark, just when the slide is to the left. Which isn't it supposed to get spark when it's to the right? No?

It's been a while since I've been into my '75 model 5 1/2 Eska but I seem to recall a grounding post that shorts the ignition to ground to kill the motor when the mag lever is retarded all the way. Once it begins to move it should have ignition to the plug all the way to 'Fast' on the position panel.

If yours' is the CDI electronic ignition version then nothing I said is apt to be applicable! HTH, Tom @ Buzzard Bluff

EDIT! I just realized that I have the mag plate from a defunct '70 model Sears/Eska CDI model laying here on the computer desk for comparison purposes to a website offering repair suggestions of the deservedly maligned Tecumseh electronic ignition. It TOO appears to have a grounding lug on the bottom of the plate that has a witness mark that indicates that it contacts ground at the extremity of clockwise rotation.