1979 sears gamefisher no spark

mcgyver6857

Cadet
Joined
May 24, 2008
Messages
22
hi everyone, I recently inherited a gamefisher motor it is a tecumseh motor 7.5hp single cylinder air cooled. The motor has no spark at all. Wondering if you guys could point me in the right direction as where to start. I will be getting the tank off and inspecting everything shortly. What typically goes bad with these systems.
 

CATransplant

Admiral
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Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

Can you post the model number? If this is one that has the external coil mounted on the head with the spark plug wire coming out of it and a single wire coming to it from under the flywheel, it has CD ignition. Both the external coil and the "stator" under the flywheel are prone to failure, and parts are very hard to find and very expensive, usually costing more than the outboard is worth in running condition.

But, give me the model number and I'll look into it for you.
 

mcgyver6857

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May 24, 2008
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Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

Thanks for the response the model number is 217-585811. I pulled the flywheel and it has a magneto, condenser, and points. Also the pickup on the flywheel was rusty a bit. I'm not sure how to clean and set points but I think that should be my next plan of action. Also pulling the flywheel I spun the flywheel in the wrong direction when on of the corners of the fins broke, is this bad?
 

freddyray21

Commander
Joined
Jun 10, 2006
Messages
2,460
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

the fins are used for cooling. If just a corner broke probably not an issue. clean and regap the points. If that does not give you spark then replace the condenser.
 

mcgyver6857

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Joined
May 24, 2008
Messages
22
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

Update, thanks everyone for the help! I pulled the flywheel and cleaned and set the points. Got spark and the motor is running. I took the motor out on Friday and it ran well. I don't think it is pumping water though, is the water pump hard to change and what parts will I likely be needing? Also the motor will only run from half to full throttle with the choke a quarter way open. It could possibly be because I used my fathers weed wacker pre-mix, it was a guess at 50:1. What ratio is everyone running at? The tank says 50:1. I did clean the carb before using but didn't remove the float, main or needle, just did a quick clean of the bowl and such. I didn't want to reset the float. What are the settings for the float? Thanks again.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

These motors are notoriously finicky.If on a remote tank it has a tiny pump element in the carb flange thats prone to fail. Fuel mix is 32:1 using at least TCW rated oil.
It does have a pump in the leg water should mist out the relief holes in the leg.Also a weak point.Spend as little as possible getting it going.If you like to tinker this is the motor for you.
 

mcgyver6857

Cadet
Joined
May 24, 2008
Messages
22
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

Well the motor is running, but I think I overheated the lower unit. What parts will I be needing for the water pump? Just an impeller or do i need the complete pump? The motor was running well and then it started smoking from where the lower unit meets the engine and quit. I believe the smoke was coming from the grease used to lubricate the shaft there, hoping I didn't do any damage. Really kinda like the simplicty of the motor just never changed a water pump before any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

steelespike

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: 1979 sears gamefisher no spark

You should only need an impeller.I believe 2 bolts hold the lower on
Fairly straight forward procedure.You should work with a manual.You may find an aftermarket manual at the library.
 
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