1963 SpeediFour

[Speedy4]

Hi, I was given a 1963 SpeediFour, without a manual though. Before I go buy one I would like to see if i can at least see if it will run.
The motor turns over but no spark. The coil wire on the side of the distributer going to the wire harness than to the control box that would mount to the boat reads zero ohm's (closed circuit) to ground. Is this normal?
I have read that there is a magneto start and a battery start for those years? How can I tell the difference?
The only thing in one side of the control box is a soleniod, terminal block and wire harness connections, the other half has screw holes but nothing in it. Am I missing something vital?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thankin Advance!
John

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Magneto = Plug wires exit from the bottom, straight down.

Automotive = Plugs wires exit the top side areas.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

The Speedifour is magneto ignition. The battery ignition is on the Starflite.

The terminal on the side of the magneto connects the points to the coil and also has a wire going to the main harness. From there it goes through the junction box and forward to the ignition switch. Turning the switch off grounds the wire (and points/coil) thus stopping the motor.

So, with that in mind, it woud read 0 ohms to ground with the switch turned off. It would also read 0 ohms if either set of points is closed. With the switch on and both points open, it should read the resistance of the coil primary winding which is less than an ohm.

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Great info, thanks guys. A couple of more questions...

So the voltage from the magneto to powers the coil. I just don't see where that is connected. In my newer motors the mag is under the flywheel. Is the mag in the speedifour on the opposite side of the starter? One lead (blue), goes to the control box then to the ignition switch, the other (white) lead goes?

I think I am missing a part in the wiring box that would go on the boat, could it be a voltage regulator for charging the battery?

Thanks Again!
John

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

here's basic wiring diagram for that type set up. i you can't read it send me a PM, with your email, and i'll send it direct.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

The magneto is belt driven and mounted on a bracket between the two banks of cylinders. Distributor version is mounted the same way.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

If you have a belt-driven unit on the side opposite the starter, and looks similar to a starter, that is an optional accessory generator kit to recharge the battery. It has absolutely nothing to do with the magneto/distributor on the back of the engine between the V. The magneto/distributor is self powered and does not receive any outside voltages or power source. The motor will actually run without any battery or outside cables attached. Just put gas in it and hand crank it and it is supposed to run.

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

There are two belts on this motor, one for the distributor and one for: Alternator, Generator, Magneto?

Sorry about the lack of knowledge on this design on my part. With the wiring diagram and knowing where the componets are and what type, I should be able to figure out if this is worth keeping. I have already tracked a few parts down, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I really appreciate everyone's time and input.

Thanks Once Again,
John

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Ok, this is starting to make sense now.

So the generator and starter are just optional. The wire coming from the distributer coil is the ground to shut it off by the key.

The magneto is part of the distributor with points and a coil. So any no spark condition would be the:
Magneto, Coil, points or a ground.

Again thank you all.
John

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

I's been explained how to tell the difference. Which one do you have?

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

I have the Magneto start, not the battery. Plug wires point down from the distributor.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Number one..... Forget about the other style (under the flywheel) magnetos as this is a completely different animal which is self contained, meaning...... you can have the magneto sitting on the work bench hooked up to a spark tester and spin the pulley which will result in a strong blue lightning like flame jumping across a 1/4" gap with a SNAP! That is, if the magneto is as it should be.

As FR states above.... a wire is connected to that small nut on the side of the magneto that leads upwards to the points, condenser, and rotor. The other wire connected to that nut leads forward to the ignition switch where it is connected to a "M" (magneto) terminal of the switch. THere is another "M" terminal on the ignition switch which should have a black wire attached leading to a ground.

Key ON = No connection between the "M" terminals, ignition circuit is open and spark will occur if magneto is functioning.

Key OFF = Connection exists between the two "M" terminal, effectively shorting out the ignition circuit and no spark can possibly exist at the magneto.

The points should be set on the high lobe where a .020 gauge can pass thru but a .022 cannot. This will get you close enough to the factory setting.

If all is as it should be and there is still no spark, it is usually a case that the rotor has a almost invisible crack which is allowing the spark to shoot thru the rotor to the metal shaft upon which it sits. The spark is delivered to the rotor via the spring/brush in the distributor cap.

I've been having a bit of trouble following this thread. Is this a case of the engine having no spark..... or is there something else?

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Just a case of no spark. The info you gave is going to help. I'll let you know what I came up with.

Thanks Again Everyone!

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

I would like to thank everyone. With all the info I was able to figure out that it was a ground problem at the post for the coil wire to the points.

Next issue is to figure out the timing. The magneto must have been pulled of by the previous owner, so the rotor was about 90 degrees out.

I took a guess and brought #1 piston to TDC and aligned the rotor to fire on number 1. The motor does start and run for a few seconds. Would like to get it to run a little longer before I commit to putting it on the boat and getting the manual.

One last question.
Can someone tell me the proper way to align the timing, where the marks are, ect....

I don't know how long the motor has been sitting, i'm guessing carb and fuel pump rebuild, replace hoses ect.


Thank you all again
John

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Align the timing mark on the mag belt pulley with the button on the safety switch. Align the timing mark on the flywheel with those on the recoil starter and water cover. Slip the belt on and adjust it to 5/16" to 3/8" flex under light finger pressure midway between pulleys.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

also if you can find it a new belt.

 

[Speedy4]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

Amazing, lined the marks up and it just started really easy and idled.

Thanks again everyone for all the help. It appears I have a running motor and I will start looking for a new belt, impeller, and a manual.


I cannot tell you how appreciative I am, too bad I can't buy you all a beer.

Cheers Anyway!!!

John

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

you know the fact that the Prestigious Lady is not going to the parts yard is enough satistfaction, for me. CONGRATS. now treat her like the real lady she is. you will have many years of use from her. now check your compression and hopefully it's over 100 psi and all four. laingsoutboards.com is where i get a lot of my old parts.

 

[larky]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

not sure if you or anyone else mentioned it but now that you've got her runnin check for water flow, replace impeller for starters.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1963 SpeediFour

damn good point, larky