74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

[somesaytim]

Hello everyone can anyone tell me how to check the timing on my 40e74s ? Won't start. I've checked carb,points, coils, spark, running out of ideas? Thanks

 

[Daviet]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Have you got good spark and compression? Will it try to start if you squirt some fuel mixture into the carb? Have you had the flywheel off, the key isn't sheared is it?

 

[James R]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

If you have good sparks and good compressions try spraying a 50:1 fuel mix into the carb throat whilst turning the motor over. If it fires you have a fuel supply problem. Do not use starter fluid unless you want to destroy your motor.

 

[somesaytim]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Spark jumps 7/16" nice and blue, flywheel key in good shape, carb is working plugs even get wet from cranking it, have compression of aprox 115psi on both cylinders, that's why I'm thinking timing? I am mechanicly inclined I feel like I'm overlooking something...have not worked on too many outboards,but have on many other motors and mechanical things as I am a machinist and maintenance worker for the last 20 years,and this seems like it should be fairly basic...thanks for any help

 

[somesaytim]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Also doesn't make a differance if I spray fuel in carb throat.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Your timing is basicly controlled by the setting of the points.
All it takes to make your engine run is timed spark, compression and fuel.
If it woun't fire by squirting fuel into the carb it would make me think you have a spark problem. If the spark jumps 7/16" air gap and is bright blue it should be good. What did you set the points at, .020?
You didn't by chance cross the plug wires when you changed the plugs did you?

 

[somesaytim]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Your timing is basicly controlled by the setting of the points.
All it takes to make your engine run is timed spark, compression and fuel.
If it woun't fire by squirting fuel into the carb it would make me think you have a spark problem. If the spark jumps 7/16" air gap and is bright blue it should be good. What did you set the points at, .020?
You didn't by chance cross the plug wires when you changed the plugs did you?

Yes points are set to .20" and no chance of swaping the wires that's what makes me think it might be firing at the wrong time,just don't know how to check..thanks again everyone

 

[boobie]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

By chance are the primary wires going to the coils swapped ??

 

[somesaytim]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

By chance are the primary wires going to the coils swapped ??

Nope no chance...just don't know what's up

 

[James R]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Still trying to stay simple. Have you replaced the plugs.

 

[somesaytim]

Re: 74 40hp johnson ignition prob? maybe??

Still trying to stay simple. Have you replaced the plugs.

Will try tonight