1974 Lightwin intermittent skip

[SailLaVie38]

I have a '74 Lightwin 4HP that has developed a skip, where occasionally the engine loses power for a brief period (maybe a fraction of a second to several seconds). It seems most pronounced at low to maybe 1/3 throttle, and doesnt seem to happen at all at full throttle. Sometimes she'll go for 10-20 minutes without the problem. Doesn't seem to matter if the engine is hot or cold.

This loss of power happens very suddenly, and returns to normal just as suddenly... no sputtering, or coughing. This makes me think it's "electrical" because it feels almost like an on/off switch... I'm thinking coils and points, but would like some other opinions or troubleshoot tips.

Would really like to get this fixed... the engine is great on the tender, and I'd hate to have to replace it with one of those heavy new four stokes!

Ideas?

 

[F_R]

Re: 1974 Lightwin intermittent skip

More than likely points. Clean or replace them. Spark plugs too. Coils are probably OK, unless they are cracked.

 

[SailLaVie38]

Re: 1974 Lightwin intermittent skip

Thanks for the response... plugs are easy and already replaced. I can see why a cracked or otherwise compromised coil could be intermittent, but points? could points introduce the intermittent behavior I'm seeing?

So if I need points or coils, is there a source for these parts? Are they readily or generally available for a 74 Lightwin?

Thanks,
Larry