1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

Ninjafied

Seaman
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
i just got this motor to upgrade from my 1956 30hp johnson, i bought the whole package motor, wireing, steering. so far i've mounted the motor on my boat so i can work on it. with the wireing harnness pluged in the key will engage the starter and the motor turns over well also have good fuel but no spark.
i dont know enough about this motor to know where to start can some one point me in the right direction
thanks
tom
 

Ninjafied

Seaman
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

i found a yellow wire and a blue wire with spade connectors but dont know if they need power or ground.
i have a picture but dont know how to post it
thanks
tom
 

James R

Commander
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Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

The yellow and blue wires are associated with the generator. Not necessary to produce a spark. You have a magneto, a distributor, points, key switch and wiring . all have to be addressed to produce a spark.
My recommendation is to get a manual. Flying blind on this one will not work.
 

Ninjafied

Seaman
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Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

thanks the manual is on the way
i took off the distributor cap and checked for spark at the coil, there is very very weak spark if i hold a screwdriver near the tip of the coil
 

Ninjafied

Seaman
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Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

i reached the limit of my limited knowledge, so i sit and wait for my service manual to arrive.
so far i,ve cleaned all connection from the key switch to the junction box to the motor.
as far as i can tell the wiring is good
i dont know what or where the points and magneto are, before my time this motor is 12 years older than me
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

Do the plug wires come out the side of the dist cap or from the bottom of it. If they come from the bottom you have a magneto. If from the side you have battery igniton. Two different animals.
 

Ninjafied

Seaman
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

ok i found the points checked and verified at .020.
so with the timing belt off i can spin the pulley with minimal restance from the magnets but the spark from the coil is very weak.
does that mean the coil is fubar
 

Ninjafied

Seaman
Joined
Jul 2, 2011
Messages
57
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

i dug a little deeper today and found the wireing harnness on the motor was no good, with the harnness off the motor i had continuity with all wires so i replaced them, made a new harnness now no continuity between wires thats good right.
however when i installed the harnness back on the motor i again have continuity across all wires at the junction box plug end, is this normal?
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

If you have replaced the wires one for one then you should be good. Do you have sparks now? If they are still weak most likely the plug wires and or the insulators at the points are no good. Quite common on this type of motor.
 

richdavis69

Cadet
Joined
Aug 1, 2011
Messages
15
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

also try cleaning the points if you didnt perviously , reset points when done. fine sand paper will do the trick or matchbook striker if need be
 

James R

Commander
Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: 1966 60 hp evinrude no spark

220 to 500 grit wet and dry or Emery works better. Replacing the points is the real answer.
 
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