1969 55hp evinrude spark

[REELSPORT]

when checking the spark on my 1969 55hp evinrude<br />I pulled each spark plug wire off one at a time with the muffs on and got the following results.<br />number one cylinder engine dies to the point of almost shutting off. Number two and three cylinders I could only tell a slight difference in the running of the motor. I checked the compression and it is 123 on each cylinder. I have new points set at .10 new plugs set at .30 recently rebuilt carbs and a new amplifier. My question is would this be normal or do I have an issue with plug wires. Thanks for any help

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

I believe the points should be set at .20, not .10. That could be the entire problem.

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

maybe but on the flywheel and in the clymers book it calls for .10 but i will try it. thanks

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

Better go by the book, then.

 

[fireman57]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

Sounds like weak spark to number 2 and 3. .10 does seem a little close for points but if that is what the manual says....

 

[CATransplant]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

It occurs to me that, if the correct point setting is .10, you'd have to be very careful to make sure that that was the actual measurement. <br /><br />Checking point gap is fraught with problems. It's really easy to get a .10 flat gauge into the points, even if they're set to a smaller gap than that. A wire-type gauge is a better choice, but even then, the points could be at .05 and the gauge would go in pretty easily.<br /><br />If the correct point setting is only .10, then a guy would have to be really careful to make sure it was not less than that, since a smaller gap could easily cause the problem described.<br /><br />I'd recheck those points.

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

Thanks for all your help guys I will recheck the points with a wire guage but I think that I will replace plug wires anyway.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

If the insulation on the plug wires is intact with no cracks, etc, then they are not likely to be the problem. They do not degrade in time like automotive spark plug wire does.<br />If you do replace them anyway, you must use metal core spark plug wire. You can get this either from your local outboard dealer or some small engine shops will have it.<br />The correct gap for that engine is .010"<br />Have you tried checking spark? There's lots of reasons the engine might not fire 2 and 3 at idle. You must diagnose the problem.

 

[REELSPORT]

Re: 1969 55hp evinrude spark

Thanks Paul<br />The reason I think the plug wires are the problem is because when I was pulling the plug wires off one at a time with the engine running and muffs on. I pulled the first cylinder wire off and the engine almost stopped. Then I grabed the second plug wire by the boot with a pair of insulated plers and it lit me up like a christmas tree. That tells me I am losing some fire around the boot. I have not had the chance to start it up at night with the hood off and see how much spark it is losing.