1965 Johnson 60 HP plug wires issue

[MOcountryboys]

Hi, new here...been reading the posts & appreciating the all the good advice.<br /><br />Recently purchased a boat....1965 Newman 16' Runabout with a 1965 Johnson 60 outboard, <br />#VXL-11C (eBay $152.50 YEEHAA)<br /><br />The previous owner tells me that the engine does run, but not well. It will run fine in a test tank, but get it out on the water & it will not run more than half speed. He thought it was a carb problem. <br /><br />Here's what he said he's done to it:<br /><br />New points<br />Checked timing<br />New Distributor<br />Checked Compression<br />Tune-up Kit<br /><br /><br />When I got it home & looked it over, I noticed something a bit odd...one of the spark plug wires had fallen off the distributor. When I looked at it, there is no connector on the distributor end, just stripped wire folded over the wire shaft & pushed up into the dist. cap. The other two plug wires I checked were done the same way--haven't checked the 4th.<br /><br />According to other forum questions & answers, it seems like the wires should have a threaded terminal on the distributor end. Is that right?<br /><br />I'm contemplating tearing the distributor down to get those terminals out & re-soldering them to the plug wires.<br /><br />In my (completely) inexpert opinion, this sounds like something that could cause the engine to not run well under a load--pretty much what the previous owner described.<br /><br />Any suggestions? Or am I following down the wrong trail....I've got the manual ordered, but not here yet...but I'm anxious to get it up & running right & on the water.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Tim Holloway<br />Lake Killarney, MO

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1965 Johnson 60 HP plug wires issue

Buy all new plug wires and get rid of the junk. Do not use auto plug wires. Call your local dealer and pick them up. By the way, welcome to iboats.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1965 Johnson 60 HP plug wires issue

Your engine is the plain, or no frill's model of the v-4 with magneto ignition, and manual gearcase. The plug wires have a brass, screw-in connector at the magneto end, they are not a push fit. You will probably have to remove the distributor cap to remove these brass end's, as the wire's have probably been twisted out of them. The screw-in connector must be soldered on to the wire. If the end's are still in the cap, be careful taking them out that you don't break the cap. These can be quite exspensive. That could certainly be your poor running problem.