68 johnson 55 hp update

[Bill21]

68 Johnson 55hp hydroelectric drive 3cyl Model#trl-10r<br />I just got a boat that was left in my neighbors yard when they bought their house a couple of years ago. They had no key so I drilled out the key hole so i could turn it with a screwdriver. The engine turns over fine but there is no spark.<br />I have cleaned up all the grounds and checked the wires and everything looks ok. Could drilling the key hole have anything to do with not getting a spark. I am new to outboard engines and any help would be apreciated.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Also if the amplifier is bad it is 300$ for a new one. Is this engine worth putting that kind of money into or should i look for another engine.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

I disconected the wires that run back to the key switch and tried to start it from the engine but still no spark.

 

[G DANE]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

I´d advise you to get a manual to troubleshoot the ignition system with. Best 30$ you can spend. Used parts turn up at e-bay now and then for these elder motors too.

 

[BF]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Hiya, <br /><br />The key isn't just used to engage the starter, it's also used to shut down the motor (by grounding the ignition). Are you sure when you disconnected the wires from the switch that you're not grounding the ignition? (like it should be with the key in the "off" position). Tried new plugs? You are grounding the outside of the plug when you're checking for spark, right?<br /><br />Brent

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

thankyou for the help and yes i grounded the outside of plugs still no spark. also the propeller spins when i try to start it but it is in nuetral. is this normal or maybe it wont fire because it is not in nuetral.

 

[BF]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

I'm no expert on the electic shifts, but I think they're in forward gear by default, and once they fire the lower unit is electrically shifted to neutral. (so I think what you're seeing is normal)<br /><br />Brent

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

thats what i thought about it being in nuetral i just didn't know if there was some kind of safety. do you know how i can find out how the ignition switch should be wired. it just has a line to the starter a line to the battery and one that says ignition. i dont think the wiring is right but i don't have my manul yet and it is too nice today to sit inside. thanks for your help

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Be careful if you get that motor statrted it will stay in forward if the solenoids are bad or there is no power to them, usually cranking speed is enough to kick them out of gear if everything is ok. When you get it wired right and if you see the compression is good and still get no spark, I believe you can convert it to a regular car coil ignition very cheaply. Search this forum and there are instructions how to do it.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

i have seen some stuff about converting to a car coil and have thought about trying that but some people say it works and some say don't do it.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

When you get your manual it will have all kinds of checks you can do on the electrics. I put a new ignition switch on mine for about 30 bucks. You will be able to test the points, amplifier, solenoids, etc. when you get a manual. Seiler marine has an amplifier with a coil for 225 if you end up needing one. I got one for my motor, works great, good warranty. But since this boat was left in a yard it may have some major problems.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

yeah i think it might have some problems. i will probably get a newer engine but i thought i would try some stuff on this one first. at least the boat is in good shape.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Dont give up Bill, If the motor has good compression almost everything else can be fairly easily fixed.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Good news found a bad wire and the engine started. New problem engine runs great for a couple minutes and then dies. No sputter like it is dying it just cuts off. Is something getting to hot. When engine cools off it starts right back up and sound great.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

i was just starting my engine and the battery ran down. it was a new battery but have been turning the engine alot to try and get it started. if my battery was low would that cause the sudden loss of spark? i have read that these systems get their spark from the battery and then recharge the battery. i have the battery on the charger and will try it again tommorow. hopefully that was my problem.

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

Good going, that may be the problem Bill. That motor runs totally off the battery and when voltage gets low the amplifier wont fire. Your charging system probably isnt working. Check your rectifier. Or could be coil or amplifier breaking down when they get hot. If you get a good manual you can check these parts fairly easily. Also, if the motor sat for a while you will need to check carbs and fuel system.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

i charged the battery still dies after a minute. i need to check the carbs. if it was a fuel problem would it just die without sputtering?

 

[ddaigle]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

When it dies are you still getting spark? You may try pumping fuel bulb before it dies to see if it keeps running. You also could have bad gas or water in the gas. There are a lot of possibilities. You really need to get a manual and go through everything if you ever want it to run right. At a minimum you need to change water pump, rebuild carbs and check and tune ignition system and clean and check all wiring and connections.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

i did pump the fuel bulb while running and it continued to run for about five minutes untill i stopped pumping. I had another used fuel pump sitting around so i put that on but my starter was really hot and it was starting to crank slow so i stopped and put my battery on the charger and i will try it again today.

 

[Bill21]

Re: 68 johnson 55 hp update

The fuel pump helped. It will run for about 2 to 3 minutes and when i try to idle it down it dies. I am going to put new spark plugs in and see if that helps. At least now I can run for 3 minutes, just long enough to get away from the dock and be screwed!!! It does fire right back up. Any suggestions?