1972 65hp Engine kicking and jumping.

[i386]

Re: 1972 65hp Engine kicking and jumping.

I'm asking a really lame question here, as it's one of the first and fore most things, tried searching thro threads but how do I do perform a proper spark check, don't have any particlular tools to do this if needed.
Do i just unplug spark with lead on and lay against engine block, or is there something I can make to set a specific distance?
Sorry guys I know this is totally basic stuff but wanna do it right to eliminate.

You can buy a spark tester at most any autoparts store. You can set the distance the arc must jump across. There are also inline testers that you can use while the engine is running. I like the former for testing the quality of the spark and the latter for diagnosing an intermittent spark while it's running.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1972 65hp Engine kicking and jumping.

To do that no electric voltage to the lower unit test, you'll need to have the rig in the water. Running on a flushette would be a waste of time. It's best to have the rig out in the center of a lake, pond, something, and then disconnect the wires as that unit will be in forward gear the instant it fires up.

Spark test..... Do not use the spark plugs as that's a waste of time. Have all of the spark plugs removed, then set a gap on a spark tester (on your model) to 1/4". The spark should jump that gap with a strong blue lightning like flame.... a real SNAP!

No tester? Build this easy one.

(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)

A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.

Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:


..........X1..........X2

.................X..(grd)

..........X3..........X4

 

[kwizz]

Re: 1972 65hp Engine kicking and jumping.

Thanks again, I'll let you know what I find with both tests on the L/U wires and spark test. Won't be for quite some time tho going on a five week contract in the highlands of Scotland tomorrow.

Paul.