1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

[bonito1]

Good News and Bad News. Cleaned up my recoil starter, lubed cylinders and got good compression readings on both-90+.

Now for the new problems, I tried checking spark and only saw one feeble blueish spark on one plug. Then again, it was daylight, so...? On the other plug I saw no spark but I got shocked. I held the cable with plug in it up to the sparkplug hole and he pulled the starter cord and I got an electrical shock in my hand and arm. Bad wire? I don't know but I did not see a blue spark. What would you all recommend? Pull the recoil starter, flywheel and check coils, points, etc.?

The other problem is that my starter cable is no longer pulling out. It is like it is locked! I don't know what I could have done because I did have it working well... I am hoping it is something simple-any ideas? The only thing I think I did was put the hood cowling back on and removed again and in the process knocked the gear shift lever into and out of nuetral. Other than that, I don't know.

Please help trouble shoot this!

Thanks all, Bill

 

[bonito1]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

Help please!

 

[AlTn]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

google...max wawrzyniak bringing a 1956 johnson 15hp. back to life...

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

Holding a plug to the block is not an effective way to troubleshoot spark. You need an adjustable gap tester, set to 3/8" on that model, to ensure the spark jumps a predetermined gap. The tool is cheap, under $10, and necessary to troubleshoot your outboard. Once you determine you definately have weak/poor spark, you will need to pull the flywheel to inspect the magneto ingition. If the coils are original, cracked they will need to be replaced. The points may need to be cleaned and re gapped to 020, if the are pitted or damaged they will need to be replaved. Condensors are cheap, and will need to be tested/replaced as well. Then test the plug wires to ensure there is no resistance. Let us know if you need any help with this.

BTW, the article altn mentioned is pretty good, definately worth a read for you. Well laid out.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/columns/max/index6.htm

 

[babysdaddy]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

I am in the middle of the same project, and the above mentioned article is definitely a worthwhile read. A few tools that you may not have now, but will find uselful are a harmonic balance puller and a spark gap tester. These tools have minimum costs and definitely help ease the pain of finding out and getting to the problem. One more helpful hint buy an OEM Service Manual if you do not have access to one. Good Luck

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 hp Rehab project Continues

Help please!

There is a device that locks the recoil if the shifter isn't in neutral.
Could be loose broken or assembled wrong.If the coils haven't been changed they will need it
Inspect them ,any cracks or discoloration change.Be sure points are clean and adjusted to .020.