'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

[Wingedwheel]

7.5 Gamefisher Mod# 217-585751 I've determined that something is grounding out the circuit. The green kill wire is always grounded. The coil tests OK but something is making a connection to ground that won't let the darn thing fire. Anyone ever run across this issue. I've enclosed a pic of the kill wire. Shouldn't that circuit be open unless touching the screw mounted to the block that only makes contact when the handle is moved to the kill position? I'm stumped...Maybe tomorrow I'll get a fresh look at it, but I'm wondering if there's supposed to be an insulator that I'm not seeing. I did get one good spark and a fire after putting the spark checker inline then nothing.

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

try removing and isolating the kill wire to rule it out. use the choke to kill the motor

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

<I've determined that something is grounding out the circuit. The green kill wire is always grounded.--Shouldn't that circuit be open unless touching the screw mounted to the block that only makes contact when the handle is moved to the kill position?>

That's the way I understand it but I admit I've never put test leads on it. To be honest nothing else makes any sense. It's as traditional a way to ground out a magneto ignition as the magneto itself.

<The coil tests OK but something is making a connection to ground that won't let the darn thing fire. Anyone ever run across this issue. I've enclosed a pic of the kill wire.>

Being rather simple myself I always seek simple answers first. Why not just remove the green wire completely and see where you are?

<I'm stumped...Maybe tomorrow I'll get a fresh look at it, but I'm wondering if there's supposed to be an insulator that I'm not seeing. I did get one good spark and a fire after putting the spark checker inline then nothing.>

Hmmm---almost a description of a partially oil-fouled plug. Got a fresh plug handy?

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

I did isolate the wire and its still grounded. I also took the condensor loose to see if it may have been internally shorted. I've done all the easy diagnostics, now I'm getting into the head scratching stage. Most of my experience is with Johnson or Mercs. I've worked on a few of these old gamefishers, but never had an issue like this. I guess its time to knuckle down and learn something.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

OK, after playing around with it I decided to just put it back together and see if its designed to act this way. I did start getting spark, but it was a weak one so I went and got a new condenser. Replaced that and now I'm getting nothing... Anybody wanna buy a Gamefisher? LOL

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Its starting to sound like a coil problem, maybe even the high tension lead.
you probably should check that out before you give up,

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

I'm flashing on plug wire shorting to ground between coil & plug.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

When I checked the coil there was continuity across the primary and with the meter on the 20k scale I had a reading of 9.2k from ground to the output lead. I hear no popping from a shorting plug wire either.

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

<When I checked the coil there was continuity across the primary and with the meter on the 20k scale I had a reading of 9.2k from ground to the output lead.>

I would consider that a bad coil. I like to see between 3.5 & 7.5 KO.

<I hear no popping from a shorting plug wire either.>

Nor will you if it's under or thru a securing clamp!

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Re: 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

I thought I did check the wire pretty well, but I'll look again. Why would the high impedance cause my shorting problem, or is that just an indicator of where I should look next? Could the circuit be back-feeding through the coil?

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

OK I actually found the Tecumseh coil. It was $35, and when I put it in I was still sceptical because I had the same readings as before. I put the spark checker on and lo and behold, she fired with a good hot spark. I'm not going to try and figure this one out, I'm just glad it worked. I hate throwing parts at something to see if thats the problem. The only thing I could see was that the insulation on one of the primary leads was broken at the coil. I'm not sure why it worked but it did. Now I just have to replace the impeller and we're good to go. Maybe I will be ahead on this little outboard when I sell it, but for now I'm just gonna play with it and just be glad she's running.

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Wow, 35$ when you could have fixed it for next to nothing....your as bad a me

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

The only problem with the broken insulation was right at the coil and was touching nothing. I don't know if that was the problem or if putting a little silicone on it would have helped. Getting the same impedance readings and still getting a spark is what was a little baffling to me. I guess its the old adage, either it works or it doesn't. I probably still need a carb kit because it won't start, but at least its hitting when I pull it through. I have a feeling its the diaphram between the carb and the reeds. I'm starting to wonder if its worth spending anymore money because in the end I could have probably just given it away and still be ahead other than the satisfaction of beating the problem.

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

in the end I could have probably just given it away

I got first dibs...

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Trade ya for an Iced tea and a bag of chips!

 

[Tom @ Buzzard Bluff]

Re: 'UPDATE' 7.5 Gamefisher grounding issue

Check your PMs WingedWheel.