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  1. oldboat1

    1975 Evinrude 9.9 no start

    This is a cheap open air/adjustable gap tester available at auto parts stores. Set it for about a half inch, and work backwards until you find a strong spark. The point is to test magneto output strength. Test with plugs out. If you can't see the tester while pulling over the motor, rig up a...
  2. oldboat1

    78 70hp Evinrude no power past half throttle

    Measure with one of these (cheap), not an inline tester:
  3. oldboat1

    1989 Johnson 20hp surging at mid-high rpms help!

    Sorry, but an inline tester really won't do it. You need to measure spark to be sure the ignition output is proper:
  4. oldboat1

    Johnson 88 spl ignition testing

    $10 or $15 at an auto parts store:
  5. oldboat1

    Ignition coil going out

    How do you know the coil is "going bad"? Do this: Set your multimeter to 1K ohms resistance, and check the circuit between the clip in the plug boot and a clear spot on the block. You should see about 5k ohms or so -- check each of the coils the same way and see if readings are similar for all...
  6. oldboat1

    1957 7.5HP Fleetwin (7522), Running a tad rough

    This is a retaining ring from an 18 -- upside down in the picture. The underside of the pictured ring is flat with a larger circumference, and is on top when properly installed (Note the notch -- visible in your pic, and should not be.)
  7. oldboat1

    1957 Evinrude 18 clutch dog question

    FYI: from a '58 10hp.
  8. oldboat1

    99' Johnson 225 Ocean Pro Rough Idle, Clean Spark Plug on one cylinder.

    I would measure spark first to see if a strong pulse is available at that plug. Set the open air tester to about a half inch. If no spark, check continuity of plug wire, coil boot to plug boot. If no continuity, repair or replace. If continuity, test coil (resistance test from plug boot to...
  9. oldboat1

    weak spark?

    Have a feeling there is more to the story than you want to let on, for some reason. Here is an effective open air adjustable tester (the kind to use): Spark should be visible and noisy (snap). If it seems weak, reduce the gap on the tester and try again. Keep in mind that the starter has to...
  10. oldboat1

    Winterizing best practices

    A red squirrel invading the cabin:
  11. oldboat1

    Evinrude 150 not staying cranked - electrical issue

    Joe's questions are right on point, and will look forward to what you find. I keep a pic of one of these handy to show folks what a simple tester is (about $10 or so at an auto parts store). The screwdriver test Joe describes is effective, but the little tester thing might be a tad more...
  12. oldboat1

    70's 25HP Evinrude woes

    Check compression, and measure spark.
  13. oldboat1

    Sporadic inability to start and sometimes restart engine

    A simple tester will allow you to measure spark (determines ignition strength): You should see about a half inch spark with that motor if the power pack and coils are doing their job. Additionally, see if the motor is running too hot (technically 160F or hotter). Look for an operating temp. of...
  14. oldboat1

    1981 Johnson J50BECIC not starting, stalling - suspect carb, please advice

    Use Champion L77JC4 plugs, gapped at .030. Bite the bullet and rebuild the carbs (oem kit is 0396701, which comes with float and probably instructions). Completely disassemble and soak top and bottom. Remove the domed plug on top and clean idle passages. Leave all lead shots in place, along with...
  15. oldboat1

    1960 johnson 18hp no power

    Get one of these to measure spark: If mine, I would buy one of the cheap square pumps and test it with that (square pump is a replacement for that motor). Take the filter out of the glass bowl to test. Use Champion J4C plugs gapped to .030. Initial setting for the h.s. needle (bottom) is...
  16. oldboat1

    1978 Johnson 85hp wont run in water. Only on hose

    It's possible you are due for a starter rebuild, or maybe just a thorough cleaning. Work on the battery first -- good idea to take it to an auto parts store for free testing. Include cranking test/voltage drop test. Get a spark tester similar to this one (cheap) for measuring spark: :
  17. oldboat1

    1988 50hp evinrude NO spark

    Always check spark with an open air tester. Make sure the throttle lever is in the neutral detent, if getting no starter activity.
  18. oldboat1

    Please help! Really old 9.9 Evinrude won't start and keeps flooding

    Can't quite tell what you have, but this is typical: Remove both plugs when testing -- gives it a little better chance. Make sure you have a solid ground on the powerhead (the clip). The blunt end goes in the spark plug boot.
  19. oldboat1

    1989 Johnson 88 running rich at idle

    Have to do them one at a time, but this inexpensive tester will do the trick (available at auto parts stores): Look for about a half inch sharp spark. Test with all plugs removed.
  20. oldboat1

    1996 Evinrude 9.9hp 2stoke issue

    Get one of these at an auto parts store (pretty cheap). Remove both plugs, and make sure the clamp gives you a solid ground. Set it for 3/8 inch (testing ignition strength, as indicated above).
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