'61 Old Evinrude Lark 40hp...magneto issues

[TheInterceptor]

Hello All:<br /><br />I'm still trying to resolve a nostart condition on this motor. Spark still weak after replacing coils, plugs, points, condensers, wires.<br /><br />I pulled the flywheel off. With regard to flywheel magneto ignition systems what do I need to check other than the following:<br />-point gap at .020"<br />-green coil wire, condenser wire and black ignition switch wire all connected to insulated side of points (as I found them)<br />-coils aligned with posts and tightened in position<br /><br />Jack<br /><br />'64 Thompson 14' Sea Mate wooden lapstrake

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: '61 Old Evinrude Lark 40hp...magneto issues

The .020 point gap must be set when the flywheel key is aligned with the fiber rubbing portion of the points. Set them so that a .020 goes thru but a .022 will not.<br /><br />I assume that by "coils aligned", you have the metal vertical edge of the coils aligned with the inside bevel edge that exists at the top portion of the seat on which the coils sit.<br /><br />If the above is okay, considering what you've replaced, you should have excellent spark.<br /><br />However, those two black wires are kill circuit leads. If you have them indirectly connected to anything except a kill button or switch, that is using either lead as a ground for some accessory, that will certainly affect the ignition.<br /><br />It is also possible that even if those wires are connected properly, the switch, button, whatever may be faulty. Disconnecting the black wires from that switch (whatever) would reveal that fault if it exists.

 

[TheInterceptor]

Re: '61 Old Evinrude Lark 40hp...magneto issues

Thanks, Joe!<br /><br />I'll also verify the timing by using a timing light and cranking before finally torquing the nut back on. That flywheel is a real bear trying to get off so I wanna make sure its right!<br /><br />BTW...the ignition switch is not grounding the black wires in the off position so I'll have to address that as well.<br /><br />Jack

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: '61 Old Evinrude Lark 40hp...magneto issues

The kill switch is supposed to connect the two kill wires together, not ground them out.<br />Flywheel nut torque is 105ft/lbs and must be adhered to.<br />Another idea - is the armature plate on which your coils sit very loose?