1991 Johnson 200GT intermittent Spark / Start

200GT

Cadet
Joined
Dec 15, 2007
Messages
26
I generally like to make sure the boat will fire up before I head to the water, Last week one night in preparation for a trip in the morning I went to crank it over and it wouldn't start. I pulled the cover and determined I wasn't getting any fire to the plugs on either side of the head. Kill switch was in. The next morning it fired right up and I went out and it ran fine all day. The same thing happened again yesterday afternoon. It wouldn't start and no fire. This morning it started no problem. I am a little hesitant to take it out now. I don't want to be dead in the water. I have inspected the wiring and I don't see anything abnormal. I have read it may be the rectifier. is that under the fly wheel? Is the flywheel hard to pull? Would this be a good place to start? Anyone ever seen this behavior?
 

daselbee

Commander
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Messages
2,765
Seen it many times. Double check starting speed. Must turn 250 - 300 rpms to gen spark. Also at the srarter solenoid, you will see a yellow /red wire. Measure the voltage when starting. If it is down below 10 volts, you will get intermittent spark. Somdtimes all cylinders sometimes just random cyls. Usually these two problems are caused by marginal battery.
 

200GT

Cadet
Joined
Dec 15, 2007
Messages
26
Thanks for the response. I replaced the battery and have used the boat a few times since with no issue. Now this afternoon it wont start agian. I know the battery is good and fully charged. Any other thoughts? Some say it could be the rectifier...? Where is it located? How do you test it? OR should I be looking at some thing else?
 

200GT

Cadet
Joined
Dec 15, 2007
Messages
26
Well. the boat fired right up this morning. I am beginning to think this has something to do with the temperature. Is that possible? It seems like t wont start in the hot afternoon sun but in the morning when it is cool, it fires right up.
 
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