no spark! 1956 evinrude 15hp

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AlTn

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a quick check for spark that I learned from the forum....just open the gap to 1/4" or more on a known good spark plug...attach the boot and ground the plug to the motor < all you need to do is hold the metal portion of the plug against a clean spot on the block >..you should see a spark jump this gap or it will just jump to the outer edge from the center electrode...much easier to see in dim to no light conditions....your particular tester doesn't do too well on the lower voltage ignitions in my experience...you really need an adjustable air gap tester...most auto parts stores have some form or fashion of them in the $10 range
 

oldboat1

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You need a real good ground for the spark tester clamp &#151;-- maybe try a different ground location on the powerhead or scratch a little paint off at the clamp point. An adjustable tester would let you initially pick up at least a light spark (say, 1/4 inch) while trying to set up the magneto (maybe $10 at AutoZone).

Each set of points should open when that cam on the the shaft pushes the contact point open at the lobe &#151;-- that oblong high point. That would be the point at which you set the gap. With the flywheel off and the motor in forward gear, you can bump the flywheel slowly by turning the prop clockwise with your foot. (Plug wires disconnected from plugs.) You should see a set of points open at the point you feel resistance from the compression. Set the gap, and turn the prop again with your foot through the &#147;bump&#148; to get a half turn on the shaft and cam (180 degrees). That will open the other set of points, and you would set the gap on that set. You should then get spark if everything is working right.

Wires need to be tucked in so they don&#146;'t contact the spinning flywheel (one of yours looks a little high, and might show some abrasion &#151; can&#146;t see for sure). Coils have to be exactly flush at the mounting points so they contact the flywheel but don&#146;t bind.

Like HighTrim says or implies, you can temporarily set the flywheel and spin it by hand to check the spark. Take the plugs out when you do this, both for safety and to let you give the wheel a pretty good spin without compression. gearshift in neutral for this.

BTW -- need to be sure the flywheel key is in place and the flywheel is actually turning the shaft. Flywheel can spin on the shaft without the key properly in place, and there will be no spark.
 
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BillP

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Wow, I had a 15 Evinrude back in 1959. Great motor and easy to work on. I was with FR on this one and the points at first. It's happened a few times with me when all I had to do was drag a piece of emory cloth though the points and spark came back. Anyway, emory cloth is the best material to dress points. I'm thinking the points or condensor wiring is not right...and its an easy mistake to do.
 

oldboat1

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nwcove says it right -- flush but no physical contact. shouldn't hear or feel any binding.
 

nwcove

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i took the coils off, pulled a little more of the plug wire out and screwed the coil in deeper into the wire. still no spark on the tester. however,i don't think i can change the gap on the tester. it's actually quite large now that u say that. can i just give the motor a pull with a spark plug attached to the wires but not screwed into the motor?

yep, you jest need to hold the plug against a good ground. ( a head bolt with some paint missing usually does the trick, )
disclaimer: im not responsible for any nasty jolts you or a friend may receive. !!

and just curious, did you use metallic core wire when you replaced them ? automotive type wire will cause issues
 
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BillP

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As mentioned above auto wires can cause problems but they show up in use. This shouldn't affect spark now. You are likely to get zapped if you hold the spark plug with bare hands against the block...Lay it against the block so it doesn't move when you pull the plug. You don't need a gap any bigger than normal to see if it has spark. It should be bright enough to see, even outside in the daytime...especially with new parts.
 

fastwin15

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i did get automotive plug wires... but i will get a new tester rather than char my wife's hand. in the end it will end up hurting me more... i'll let u know when i get a chance at it again
 

nwcove

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i did get automotive plug wires... but i will get a new tester rather than char my wife's hand. in the end it will end up hurting me more... i'll let u know when i get a chance at it again

ditch the automotive wire as its a suppression wire, you need about 5 feet of 7mm metalic core wire, it needs to be screwed into the coils, on the other end strip about a half inch of casing off , fan the wire strands out and fold back over the casing, then install the plug clip , make sure the sharp pin goes into the center of the wire, making contact with the metallic core. add the boot and you should be able to rule that out as cause for no spark.
 

fastwin15

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got spark now (the tool was the problem - once i set the plug against the block it worked) and fired up the old engine for the first time in who knows how long. got the shaft super hot quite quickly though - i think i'd better inspect my impeller... thanks for all your help guys
 

tomhath

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got spark now (the tool was the problem - once i set the plug against the block it worked) and fired up the old engine for the first time in who knows how long. got the shaft super hot quite quickly though - i think i'd better inspect my impeller... thanks for all your help guys

Rebuild the water pump and (if you haven't already) change the oil in the gear case.
 

Sirrobin53

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Keep the L/U deep in the barrel. And keep us posted on your progress. I like happy endings. ;-)
 

GA_Boater

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Another old thread rising from the dead.

Closed. Fastwin15 - If you want to open it up again, let a Mod know.
 
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