64 35hp Ignition issues

[RCO]

I am trying to resurrect a 1964 model 350 (2 cylinder magneto ignition) that has been sitting for 20+ years. Did the usual carb clean, fuel pump rebuild, and impeller. Cranking it over I found I had no spark, so I pulled the flywheel and cleaned the points. The condensers check OK on my DMM, but I don't really trust that. What should I be seeing for resistance on the coils? I don't have controls hooked up, but I assume this should run without since it is standard magneto ignition. Also any source for condensers? Sierra lists the points, but I can't seem to find condensers anywhere.

 

[kax2000]

398-2203 is the part # on the condensor i believe.


http://www.maxrules.com/oldmercs/timing/49.pdf

 

[kax2000]

try johnsoldmercurysite

 

[Chinewalker]

You can use a more common Johnson or Evinrude condenser in there. Not a direct fit - casing is different, but as long as it's secured and grounded, electrons don't care. I've mounted them on the underside of the plate on some motors, routing the wire through the plate.

 

[RCO]

I found a NOS tune up kit with both sets of points and condensers on eBay for $20. I guess I will wait impatiently for them to show up. One other question, does it matter what position the flywheel is in relative to the crank hub? It isn't marked and could go in 8 positions. I didn't realize it was two separate parts until I had taken it off. I'm more familiar with OMC's of that era.

 

[racerone]

Ya take a really good look at paint / rust marks and should be able to put back in the original position !

 

[RCO]

Well, I replaced the points and condensers and still have no spark on either cylinder. Points are set at .020, both coils have the same primary and secondary resistance. I went as far as swapping in two known good OMC coils, and still have no spark. Any thoughts? I have worked on hundreds of magneto ignitions and have never seen this before.

 

[Chinewalker]

Possible the flywheel is still off its marks? Kill wires are disconnected? I had one that wouldn't fire and someone had put longer screws in the plastic terminal block and grounded them right against the cylinder block.

 

[RCO]

I'm at a loss. Kill wires are disconnected at the points. All resistance readings are right on the money. My lab scope shows both coils are only charging to about 140 volts. I marked the flywheel and tried it in all eight positions, although I'm fairly certain I had it lined up right, also replaced the ignition wires with new solid core. I am suspicious of the flywheel magnets at this point. They are still magnetized, but don't seem nearly as strong as the magnets on my old evinrude I had off yesterday.