1966 6hp johnson no spark

[Billyjackreally]

This may seem like a ridiculously dumb question but i have an old six hp johnson that does not seem to be getting any spark. Changed the plugs and gapped them and nada so pulled the flywheel off and ignition components look brand new. Took some fine sandpaper and cleaned the points anyways in case of mild corrosion on them- still nothing so changed the condensers - still nada - going to change the coils tomorrow in spite of the fact that the ones in it look to be brand new. The part of the flywheel or magneto that runs close to the coils looks to be in pristine condition as well. Am i missing something obvioius here?|This motor does not have a klll switch or remote controls and the tiller handle works well so i cannot for the life of me think of why i am getting no spark .Am i having a brain lapse here? edit - the motor is a 1966

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1966 6hp johnson no spark

If you change the coils, change the plug wires as well. Take an extra minute and be absolutely sure you make a good connection with the plug wire to the coil. They "screw in". Also check the condition of the contacts at the plug end of the wires. Have you tested for spark with a spark tester or are you holding the plugs against the block?

 

[Rick.]

Re: 1966 6hp johnson no spark

Good advice above. I'm wondering what the history on the motor is.Have you had it long or did you just acquire it? If the coils look new then they probably are new. I'm wondering if someone carelessly redid the magneto and didn't line the coils up right or worse ran them to the wrong plugs or even wired it up wrong. Boy I sound gloomy this morning! If they were wired to the wrong plug they would still spark. Have a look at this link and maybe it will help. Best of luck. Rick.
http://forums.iboats.com/engine-fre...-change-coils-set-points-old-omcs-294072.html

 

[AlTn]

Re: 1966 6hp johnson no spark

look under the Top Secret Files at the Universal Magneto section..in particular look at the positioning of the ignition coil heels in relation to the bosses on the mag plate as this establishes the air gap between the coils and the magnets in the flywheel..

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1966 6hp johnson no spark

CLEAN the points. You said you dressed them with fine sandpaper, but you need to clean them with an acetone or lawyer thinner dipped piece of business card stock to get the grit out.

 

[Billyjackreally]

Re: 1966 6hp johnson no spark

It will be next week before i can get back messing with the little motor.I just got that motor in the wintertime. I Did get spark testers(4 because sometimes stuff here gets misplaced) and sometimes my old eyes do not see the spark when grounding the plug to the block. I am thinking because its both cylinders then it just has to be one of two of your suggestions which are the plug wires were not put into the coil ends all the way or the coils themselves are misaligned with the mag magnets (too far away). I vend at a local automotive flea market hereabouts so have to get ready for it (car stuff) but will get at the little motor next week and will post what i discover . Thanks for all the great suggestions!