1972 Johnson 20 Hp Ss

jamesh76

Seaman
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
52
I have a 1972 Johnson 20 Hp short shaft. I recently had the points and coils etc replaced under the fly wheel. The other day I took the flywheel off to check them and noticed that the Points appeared dusty/dirty. What could be the cause for this? What if anything can be sprayed on them to clean the dust/dirt off. It almost appears to be dust/discoloration from the exhaust.

I also pull the boat down a gravel road to and from the lake.

any suggestions. Thanks
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1972 Johnson 20 Hp Ss

are you having a running problem? why did you pull the flywheel? be sure to retorque it. points are going to discolor, due to heat. the have a lot of electricity sparking thru them. dust. there actually nothing to stop it.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 1972 Johnson 20 Hp Ss

If you are getting oil in there (or fuel vapors) from a leaking seal, or grease splattered on the contacts from over lubrication of something, it will foul the points.

However, your description as "dust" suggests normal operation. Normal operation of breaker points is a frosty appearance.
 

jamesh76

Seaman
Joined
May 14, 2008
Messages
52
Re: 1972 Johnson 20 Hp Ss

I had to removed the flywheel because it was not torqued properly when the points/etc were replaced. It runs fine now, I was just curious about the dirt and dust etc on the points and everything else close. As cold as the water is I have not had it out on the lake again. It does run well in a barrel though, but that is a little different than pushing a load.
 
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