1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

[kfa4303]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

It could be a corroded and/or loose s'plug wire. They some time wiggle off of the post on the underside of the coils, but you may also have dirty points or a bad condenser. The only way you'll know for sure is to pull the flywheel and take a look, and if you're going to do that you may as well replace the points and condensers while you're at it. You can get a tune up kit right here at iboats for about $20. You can also get the exact same Sierra brand replacement parts from NAPA. If they don't have them in stock they can have them delivered from their warehouse by the next day for FREE.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...gd_poid=111574&gd_row=17&**********=316227588

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Wow they include both condensers and the points in the tune up kit? And NAPA carries them huh? Thats awesome...My problem couldnt be my coil?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

VERY rarely have I had a coil that looked good go bad. Generally, those coils will look the part if they don't fire, .ie cracked, banged up, corroded, etc. Not saying it can't happen, but it is very uncommon. Being that you're getting intermittent spark, I'd go with the tune-up stuff and give 'er a go...

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

agreed. Generally speaking, if the coils look good (smooth, intact), then they're probably ok. While they were about the only weak spot on these motors originally. However, most motors have had them replaced with much better quality replacement coils by previous owners over the years. What's odd though is that most folks tend to still use the same 40-50 year old spark plug wires the motor came with, which makes them (or old, corroded points and condensers) a more likely culprit for intermittent spark issues.

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Why does it say in the top secret files that the coils usually goes bad and the condensers usually dont?

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

What is the purpose of the coil ignition assembly(part number 44 in link below) and could my problem come from having a faulty one of these?



http://shop2.evinrude.com/Index.aspx?s1=2dbjsgppfp2d64atq3cjlkikb7&catalog_id=0&siteid=1



1973 SeaKing Johnson 20 hp Model 20R73A

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

can't see the pic :/ Originally, the coils that came with the motors where prone to failure, but the replacement coils that owners installed over the years were generally of much better quality and tend to be very reliable. They should be smooth and free of any scorching on the underside. If they are, then they are probably ok. It's much more likely that a condenser is to blame. They are consumable parts and meant to be changed every few years. That's why a tune up kit with 2 sets of points and 2 condensers is only about $20, whereas coils are about $20 each. If you're really worried you can get 2 new coils, but I would re-re-check the ones you have and make sure you twist on the new copper core spark plug wires you replaced. Can you tell us the part you were describing in this link:

http://www.marineengine.com/parts/j...l=20R73A&manufacturer=Johnson&section=Magneto

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

part number 44

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

also can anybody tell me what I need to torque my flywheel nut to on this motor when I am done?

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Also how long does it take to get parts from here on iboats?...I live in NY

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

It could be a corroded and/or loose s'plug wire. They some time wiggle off of the post on the underside of the coils, but you may also have dirty points or a bad condenser. The only way you'll know for sure is to pull the flywheel and take a look, and if you're going to do that you may as well replace the points and condensers while you're at it. You can get a tune up kit right here at iboats for about $20. You can also get the exact same Sierra brand replacement parts from NAPA. If they don't have them in stock they can have them delivered from their warehouse by the next day for FREE.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...gd_poid=111574&gd_row=17&**********=316227588

Awesome man. Just got off the phone with them. Gonna tune up kit will be there tomorrow at 8am. Also they set aside a harmonic balancer puller for me!

 

[milliesdad]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Why does it say in the top secret files that the coils usually goes bad and the condensers usually dont?

Because they do. For want of a better reason.

 

[milliesdad]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

also can anybody tell me what I need to torque my flywheel nut to on this motor when I am done?

40 ft/lbs

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Thank you for the torque spec. Im confused. Some people say if they look good then they probably are good and other people say replace them...

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Chief, You have the later style ignition. Usually attributed to 74 or 75 and later. It was only on the 20 and 25 horse in 73. # 44 is the actual (secondary) ignition coil in your system. they (two) are remote mounted on the block somewhere. They are more expensive than the standard universal magneto coils but they may not be as prone to failure either. The one under the flywheel is different (and I believe harder to find) than the standard coils. It's just the primary/charging coil. Hope this helps you get on the right track.

P/S this is why pictures are so important/helpfull .

Cheers...................Todd

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

So basically what you are saying is that my coils are right there outside the flywheel on the block? I was curious as to what they were. They should be easier to replace. So if the primary/charging coil under the flywheel looks alright I should just be able to replace the points and condensers and get my spark back if the coils on the outside are still good?

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Theoretically yes . However the primary wiring going from the stuff under the flywheel to the secondary coils is a bit more involved and needs to be checked carefully.

Also that style of coils may be just as prone to failure but may not be so obvious as the early style. Can't say for sure on that.

Cheers..................Todd

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Alright well when I take of my flywheel tomorrow I will check the wires over well. And after I change the condensers and points and put the flywheel back on and check for spark if it didnt make a difference can I just swap the coils and see if that makes a difference?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Yeah, that is about the time that they started making "improvements" to the ignition systems. While they may have been more reliable is some respects (debatable) they also started to become more complicated, which makes them a little tougher to understand and trouble shoot, a little more expensive to maintain, etc.... That's why so many folks love the pre-mid 70's motors with the good 'ol universal, points and condensers, magneto set up. There are even ways to convert some versions of the more modern "electronic" ignitions, back to the older mechanical ones and vise versa. That being said, the basics of the motor are still the same: spark, fuel, compression. As long as you have those three in sufficient quantity you'll be ok. Keep us posted

 

[chiefcatchemall]

Re: 1973 Johnson seaking 20 hp

Alright will do. This site is awesome. So many knowledgeable people on here. I am hooked on this site and I am reading a ton even on topics not related to mine.


40 ft/lbs is the correct torque as previously stated for the flywheel nut? I dont want to under/over torque it