Re: 1954 Evinrude 7.5 plug wires and coil/magneto question...
Welcome to Iboats, Slimm!<br /><br />Just so we're on the same page, balancer=flywheel.<br /><br />-1-<br />The proper way to align the coils involves a ring that fits over the entire armature plate. The alternative way to set them is to make sure their laminations (Surface A) are carfully aligned with the machined faces of the bosses on which they sit (Surface B). Here's a pic, courtesy of Xcusme:<br />
<br /><br />Carfully examine the coils for cracks. They are *very* common, and cause difficult to diagnose problems. New ones are cheap. (EDIT: New coils are cheap too!)<br /><br />-2-<br />You must use only solid metal core plug wires. Although slight, (~1Kohm) automotive 'supressor' wires' resistance is too high for these less than high energy ignition systems. Most Johnny/Rude dealers will have a roll, as well as any small engine repair shop. The original wires don't deteriorate internally like automotive wires, so I wouldn't be surprised if your wires were still good. It's a good idea to replace them anyway though.<br /><br />-3-<br />There is no specification for compression, other than both cylinders be balanced to no more than 10% difference. 60 psi *sounds* low, but I think it would run. You can try decarbing the engine to try to bring that up, once it runs.<br /><br />Hope this helps! Good luck!
