Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

[Carphunter]

I have a 1981 Johnson 115, model# J115TLCSA. I found out recently that one of the coils was bad, so I replaced it, but there seems to be an electrical problem. There are three connections on the coil, the ground strap, the high tension lead (which connects to the spark plug), and the primary wire. The problem seems to be in the primary wire. I can switch the primary wire from the top coil to the bottom and get the bottom cylinder to fire, but the top wont fire, if I switch it back again, I can get the top cylinder to fire, but the bottom wont fire. So I am thinking that one of the primary coil wires are bad, or one of the wires going to the power pack, or maybe even the power pack itself. What do you think? It looks as if the motor has been running on 3 cylinders for some time, (I just recently purchased). I was told that the coils were the correct replacement parts, even though they appear to be slightly different. I have had the boat out only a couple of times, and it sure runs great on 3 cylinders!<br /> Thanks for the help, this is really getting frustrating!

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Hellllllllpppp!!!! Please.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Does anyone have any ideas? My last resort is to take it somewhere to have it fixed,....but im afraid I am probably going to have to. Just want to make sure that I made every effort to fix it myself.

 

[SB]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

I will jump in even though I am not familiar with the engine. If I understand your problem, the dead cylinder moves as you change the primary wire. Therefore the coil, high tension wire, and plug are out of the question. It sounds like the power pack or the trigger (if this is how yours works). It could be the wire itself but that seems unlikely. I would recommend that you get a manual and follow the diagnostics. That should pinpoint your problem. A shop manual is a very inexpensive investment compared to replacing parts that may not be bad.<br /><br />Good luck, I have just gone through a similar problem so I understand your frustration. My problem turned out to be the trigger, which was easy to diagnose.<br /><br />Scott

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Thank you SB,<br /> I went to the local OMC dealer today and ordered the $100.00 power pack! After making a few calls, and talking to you guys, this seems to be the problem. It really blows my mind at how well this motor runs on 3 cylinders though. <br /> Thanks again!!!!!

 

[almost retired again]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Hi Carphunter,<br />If as you say the #1 coils primary will fire the bottom cyl. #3 but not the #1 then the power pack is trying to fire #1. I think that you have a bad coil. Try switching coils and see if #1 starts firing. By the way if the model no. that you posted is correct then your engine is a 1980.<br />Let us know how you come out.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Man im stumped!!!!!!!!<br />Almost Retired is correct, the engine is a 1980. I have tried switching coils, but this doesnt seem to be the problem, because I can get each cylinder to fire by switching the primary wires, I just cant get both to fire!!! I bought 2 new coils for the side of the engine that is not firing,( again, only one cylinder is not firing), and this didnt fix the problem. I switched the coils from the other side of the engine, (which I know are working), to the side that is not working, and this did not fix the problem. I bought and installed a new power pack for the side of the engine that I am having trouble with, and it STILL wont fire both cylinders on that side.<br /> If anybody has any ideas, please let me know. The power pack was my last resort, if I dont get any other ideas, then its time to call the OMC repair-man!!!<br /> Thanks for the help

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

I dont think that the OMC motors have a trigger, but what do they have? What is the equivelent called, where is it located, and how is it replaced? I am new to the larger motors, as you can tell!!!! <br /> thanks

 

[rlouns]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Pull (lightly tug) on the Primary wire that is not working - it could be broken inside the covering.

 

[rlouns]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

You can also use on ohm meter and check continuity while moving the wire around.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Both primary wires are in good condition, (and new). I am beginning to think that there is a wire problem BEFORE the power pack, but this is only a guess. My outboard knowledge is very limited.<br /> Thanks

 

[clanton]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Disconnect the black yellow wire between the 2 powerpacks and try it, remember when you disconnect the one pack, switch will only control 1 pack. If the engine runs ok with the pack disconnect, the diode in the pack is bad and will effect the other pack. 1.99 at radio shack will repair that problem.

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Anything else guys?<br /> Thanks in advance!

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

OMC gives you a completely separate ignition system for the port & starboard sides of the motor. Under the flywheel, for each side, there is a charge coil and two sensor (trigger) coils (so two charge coils and four sensor coils - I THINK - anyone who knows better please jump in). The charge coil provides electricity for the spark, and the sensor coils tell the powerpack when to deliver the spark for each of the four cylinders. The resistance of the charge coil should be 560 (+/- 75) ohms, and both sensor coils should be 40 (+/- 10) ohms, according to the Seloc manual. I'll bet one of the sensor coils on your 'trouble' side is an open ciruit. If happen to have an oscilloscope or peak reading voltmeter (a regular one won't do), you can check the output of these coils, which should be 3 volts or better (sensors) and 150 volts or better (charge). I'd grab a manual.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

OMC gives you a completely separate ignition system for the port & starboard sides of the motor. Under the flywheel, for each side, there is a charge coil and two sensor (trigger) coils (so two charge coils and four sensor coils - I THINK - anyone who knows better please jump in). The charge coil provides electricity for the spark, and the sensor coils tell the powerpack when to deliver the spark for each of the four cylinders. The resistance of the charge coil should be 560 (+/- 75) ohms, and both sensor coils should be 40 (+/- 10) ohms, according to the Seloc manual. I'll bet one of the sensor coils on your 'trouble' side is an open ciruit. If happen to have an oscilloscope or peak reading voltmeter (a regular one won't do), you can check the output of these coils, which should be 3 volts or better (sensors) and 150 volts or better (charge). I'd grab a manual.

 

[almost retired again]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Hi again Carphunter,<br />The power packs have two imputs, charge coils that charge up the condenser in the packs this will be the brown/brown&yellow stripe wires. With a good digital multimeter set on the AC scales you should see 150 volts or better(the reading is effective values that are only 70% of peak values that the manual calls for). Take these readings while cranking. The other imputs are from the sensor coils. The sensors tell the power pack when to discharge and to what plug. These coils only put out approx. 3 volts peak, so if the voltmeter shows a deflection whill cranking it's probly OK. I don't have a manual at home with me so I'm not sure of the color of the wires, but I think they are blue, green, and white. The white one is common to both sensor coils. By the way none of these wires should show any continuity to ground. If you have these inputs to the power pack, but don't have an output to # 1 coil, it has to be a bad pack, or coil or the associated wireing.<br />Hope this Helps

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Electrical Problem 1980 Johnson 115

Thanks a-bunch for the help guys, I have a manual, and an electrician for a brother, so hopefully I can find the problem. You guys were a lot of help!! I will post my findings, so as to help anyone else with the same problems.