1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

[evinrude36]

Well this is my first post and I will try to explain everything as best as possible. I bought an old arkansas traveler boat 2 years ago for $400 that had an evinrude lark 2 40hp (model-35520) that came with it. I did get it to start 2 years ago. The only thing is that now it has no spark on either cylinder. I am sure it had spark about a year ago because I remember testing it. Is there any way to fix it without taking the flywheel off and what are some tests to try to get spark? If I do have to take the flywheel off how hard is it to fix it with a tuneup kit and what should the torque be on the bolt that holds the flywheel on? I want to spend as little as possible right now because it could have other problems. (It has no oil in the lower unit) Sorry for the long post. If you have any questions just ask. Thanks!

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

I also have an electrical tester that can test continuity, DC, and AC volts is there anything I can try with that? Thanks!

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Is it hooked up to remote controls IE: start it with key?

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Well you have to turn the key and then push a button to get it to start but yes it is hooked up. Would that make a difference? I haven't tested the spark by pull-starting, I will try that tomorrow.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

It can if you have something going on the box causing it to kill the spark, disconnect the connector coming out of the motor and try rope starting it to see if the spark comes back.

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

I just went out and tried to see if it had spark by pull starting it and it did not. What's the next thing I should do? This is so weird because last year it was fine and now it's messed up.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Did you disconnect the connector going to the controls?

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Yes I disconnected the battery, and the cord that goes into the engine. Is there anything else?

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Nope, the cord going into the engines should of had a plastic connector correct? Next step would be to pull the flywheel to have a look, coils could be cracked, points need to be cleaned and adjusted, you won't know till you dig into it. Are you checking for spark with a tester or the old "ground the plug" to the head trick?

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

The old ground the plug to the head is the one I'm using to test. It's usually pretty reliable. But maybe I will go buy a spark plug tester just in case.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

It will work but you can't adjust the gap like you can with a tester. Flywheel has to come off by the sounds of it, btw the testers are like $6.00 and it's a great tool for this type of thing.

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Just one more question, What is the torque of the flywheel nut? I will probably be taking it apart tomorrow.

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

http://books.google.ca/books?id=ZiX...nepage&q=1960 lark 40 flywheel torque&f=false

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Thanks a lot that really helped! I got the flywheel off today and found some problems. The first thing I noticed was that the screws had been messed with before so this thing has come apart before. The second thing I noticed was that 1 of the coils was blue and 1 was black. What is up with that? Then I found out the the blue coil blew up and there are little blue pieces everywhere. Why would it have blown up? Besides that problem it looks okay but I am wondering if I should replace both coils or just the one that is blown up? What is the best brand sierra, mallory, or cdi? I did get a tune-up kit so I will be replacing the normal stuff too. Also wondering where the points are that are supposed to have the .20 gap in them? I have attached pictures of the blown coil and the overview so hopefully that helps. If you have any questions just ask! Thanks!

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Old coils break down and crack over time, it happens, not the first one i've seen that looks like that. Replace both coils, keep the suspected good one for testing. I buy OEM OMC coils but Sierra CDI or Mallory will work, CDI would be my second choice. Put the flywheel nut back on and wind it to the bottom. Threre are 2 screws on each point, loosen the one that pivots and use the other to adjust. Use a wrech to rotate the crank until the points open up and find the "high point", to the point that they are open the furthest. Use emery cloth or buy a points file (they are 4 bucks) and get the points nice and shiny. Stick your .020 feeler gauge between the point gap and rotate the adjuster until the points close on the gauge. Lock the pivot screw back down. The gauge should have very slight drag when removing it, tight drag and it's less than .020. Rotate and do the other set of points the same. While you are at it replace the wires too, they have to come off to do the coils anyway. Use copper core wires, NOT graphite which are common in automotive applications.

This is if you choose to buy new points, use it for reference for cleaning up used points or other motors, forgot you are buying new ones

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Aren't there mercury switches on the throttle control on those motors? My 1960 has them and it won't start unless the throttle is set to start.

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Yes the throttle has to be set to the start line or below to start otherwise it won't turn over. You can't try to start it wide open.

 

[evinrude36]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Thanks everyone the parts should be coming in next week and I will update once I get it back together!

 

[bashr52]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Let me know if you have any problems or questions, I just re-did that identicle motor to yours last season.

I replaced both coils, points, and condensors on mine. Might as well do it right if youre going to do it at all!

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 No Spark

Hey Rude36,

I have the Manual for your motor.
Send me a Private message and I will be happy to email you a copy.

Replace everything you can afford to replace. Rebuild the carbs, Replace the coils, condensers, points Spark Plug wires. everything while you are in there. If you do they will last

Here is a good source for parts and very good prices

http://www.laingsoutboards.com/