1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

ypzilon

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Hi

I've a Evinrude 55hp from -69 which I'm tuning. I've set the points gap to 0.010", but when I read in the repair-manual (Seloc) it says that the first gap should open AND close before the second gap opens, but the second gap opens before the first gap is closed.

What could I do about that? Isn't the crankshaft that controlles WHEN the gap should open?
 

F_R

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

Yes, the cam ground on the crank controls when. Don't beat yourself to death trying to figure it out. If you check the contiuity as you turn the crank you will see that the overall result is 3 makes and 3 breaks per revolution.
 

ypzilon

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

But it should get six breaks per revolution.
The first gap should open and then close a couple of degress later, then the second gap should open exactly 1-3/8" after the first gap opened.

This should happen for each cylinder.
 

F_R

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

No, I mean 3 makes and breaks as determined with a continuity or ohmeter at the wire going to the points. Each time it breaks, it signals the amplifier to fire. Three cylinders, three times per rev.

The two sets of point work together with a 3 lobe cam to accomplish this.
 

ypzilon

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

As far as I can see one single breaker with a 3 lobe cam would make three breaks per revolution. So whats the point with a second breaker?

The manual says that you should connect a test light to the cable between the breaker and the amplifier and the other end to the starter solenoid.
Then the light should go out at the timingmark lines up with the mark at the ring gear guard and light up again right after. Then the light should go out AGAIN just 1-3/8" after the mark (thats when the second breaker opens).
 

tashasdaddy

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

do it you're way. But if anyone on here know what he's talking about, with the older engines, it's FR and Joe Reeves. the seloc manuals have been known to be wrong, on many counts. thats, why we recommend the original reprints.
 

F_R

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

Man, you are taxing my brain. I am trying to visualize all this from memory, without an engine in front of me. Just wondering, what manual do you have? The original factory service manual that I have does not say any of that stuff.

Anyway, the reason for the dual points is because of the wierd time that the points are open or closed whichever the case may be. It would take a really strange grind on the cam to accomplish it with only one set of points. All I can say from memory is that there would be continuity (light on) when EITHER or BOTH points are closed. BOTH points have to be open at the same time for the light to go out. That's when it fires. I think if you study it very carefully while turning it you will see it. I studied it and saw how it works many years ago, and then didn't worry about it any more. That's why my memory is hazy. As long as both sets are gapped correctly, it will work. There's no way anything else can get out of whack.

Speaking of correct gaps, there was a service bulletin describing a better way than using a feeler gage. It involves screwing the point adjustment in till it makes contact, then back it out till it breaks contact, then continue to back it out a certain number of clicks. Trouble is, I can't remember how many clicks that is. Will somebody reading this please tell me? Or do I have to go get a motor and figure it out for myself?
 

ypzilon

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

It's SELOCs manual.

Imported_F_R:
I hope you are right, and the factory manual should be more accurate than the Seloc...
Also it feels kind of hard to adjust the opening-time. =)
 

dmcnabb

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

Hello All,
The reason there are two sets of points is to increase dwell time ( the time that the points remain closed) The longer the points stay closed the more time the coil has to build up spark. The duel points do not work seperate from each other. They work together as a pair. Before electronic ignitions, this was the only way to increase the dwell time.
I am trying to get the same model and year motor going myself. Mine has set for 10 years outside in the elements and everything is falling apart. I was actually looking for the point gap setting , so your post helped me with that. Have a great day.
Dave
 

R.Johnson

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Re: 1969 Evinrude 55hp Point set?

Unless you want to really trouble your brain, set the point's at .010, 012 for new points. But what the hell, let's trouble our brain a bit. Make a new timing mark, as the points are set in delayed parallel.Make a mark 1-3/8, or 17 degree's counter-clockwise from existing timing mark. The first set of point's should go out, using a continuity meter, with the timing fully advanced, and mark's fully aligned, showing the points have opened. Rotate flywheel to second added mark, or clockwise, second set will close showing light, or points closed. As Forrest Gump said, " That's all I have to say about that" Disconnect dist. wire to pak for this test.
 
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