6 hp sea horse problem

johnson 74

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Joined
Jan 31, 2009
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7
Hi to all, I have a 1966 6hp johnson model# cd 23 E and my problem is the motor will only run with the choke 1/2 on when you take it off it wants to die. I notice that I have a weak spark. Now this is what i have done to the motor, carb kit, water pump, t stat, coils and wires, spark plugs (j6c champion), set the points to .20. It began with no spark at all thats why i decided to do all of the above. any advice is much appreciated thanks.
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 6 hp sea horse problem

It runs with the choke activated is the clue. Either that carburetor is out of adjustment or you've overlooked something within the carburetor.
 

johnson 74

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Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
7
Re: 6 hp sea horse problem

thanks for the quick response, but what about my weak spark?
 

johnson 74

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Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
7
Re: 6 hp sea horse problem

Because on the bottom wire is a real strong blue spark and the top wire is a real weak light blue so that is why i think is is weak
 

johnson 74

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Joined
Jan 31, 2009
Messages
7
Re: 6 hp sea horse problem

is there any special way to put the coils on for example do they have to be gapped from the fly wheel or do you just put them on. Please help
 

Joe Reeves

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Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: 6 hp sea horse problem

(Point Setting Of Magneto Models)
(J. Reeves)

Set the points as follows. Have the flywheel key aligned with the fiber rubber portion of the ignition points. Adjust the gap so that a .020 gauge will pass thru but a .022 will not. Should there be any question of the points being dirty (touching the contact with your finger would cause them to be dirty), clean them with a small brush and acetone or lacquer thinner.

NOTE: Should the operating cam have a small portion on it with the word "SET" imprinted, align this portion with the fiber rubbing portion instead of the flywheel key.

(Magneto Coil Alignment)
(J. Reeves)

To align the coils properly, have the metal vertical portion of the coil yokes aligned with the inside edge of the bevel that exists on the top portion of the aluminum seat upon which the coils sit. This creates the proper distance between the coils and the flywheel magnets. Faulty alignment creats friction and the yokes of the coils heat up, turn blue and expand.

(Carburetor Adjustment - Single S/S Adjustable Needle Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Initial setting is: Slow speed = seat gently, then open 1-1/2 turns.

Start engine and set the rpms to where it just stays running. In segments of 1/8 turns, start to turn the S/S needle valve in. Wait a few seconds for the engine to respond. As you turn the valve in, the rpms will increase. Lower the rpms again to where the engine will just stay running.

Eventually you'll hit the point where the engine wants to die out or it will spit back (sounds like a mild backfire). At that point, back out the valve 1/4 turn. Within that 1/4 turn, you'll find the smoothest slow speed setting.

Note 1: As a final double check setting of the slow speed valve(s), if the engine has more than one carburetor, do not attempt to gradually adjust all of the valves/carburetors at the same time. Do one at a time until you hit the above response (die out or spit back), then go on to the next valve/carburetor. It may be necessary to back out "all" of the slow speed adjustable needle valves 1/8 turn before doing this final adjustment due to the fact that one of the valves might be initially set ever so slightly lean.

Note 2: If the engine should be a three (3) cylinder engine with three (3) carburetors, start the adjustment sequence with the center carburetor.

When you have finished the above adjustment, you will have no reason to move them again unless the carburetor fouls/gums up from sitting, in which case you would be required to remove, clean, and rebuild the carburetor anyway.
 
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