93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

[Lindyman]

Hey all, I've really appreciated all the info on this forum. Now I need help replacing my powerpack and optical sensor (93 Johnson Fast Strike 150hp). I'm wondering, do I need to adjust the timing after replacement? I do not have the optical anylizer tool and they are expensive. My repair manual says to "Verify the maximum spark advance setting using the timing and sycronization procedure" after installing the new power pack, it says nothing of checking timing for the optical sensor replacement. I'll be replacing the power pack, optical sensor, wires, and plugs. Is it reasonable to assume I can swap out all the parts correctly and fire it up without worrying about the timing settings?

Thanks,
Lindyman

 

[boobie]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

You can set the timing on these mtrs running with a good old timing lite. It should be checked after pack and sensor replacement.

 

[juanjuice]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

im not sure about that commander even the book says you can not do it with out the opticaltimmer thats why i had to go get one

 

[juanjuice]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

just take it to a dealer should not be much beter safe than sorry

 

[Lindyman]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Thanks for the replies. As I look through my manual, it looks like the timing is set with physical adjustments on the wheel. So, if I don't mess with the current timing settings, it shouldn't move right?

Thanks!

 

[kevhed]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Did the same work you're doing on mine. Used a CDI brand powerpak. The included instruction sheet shows how to set the timing with a timing light and the motor off (just cranking). Worked good. My motor is a 98 but also has the optical sensor. I don't think timing should change if you don't touch the "adjusters" but I checked mine anyway.

 

[Lindyman]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Thanks Kevhed. Do you recall if your timing was off after the installation? Or did you just walk through the timing set up regardless? I do have a regular timing light so if they provide instructions I will check it with that. Otherwise, I plan on just changing the parts out and taking the boat to the lake to test. If I notice anything out of the ordinary in how the motor runs, I'll take it into the shop to have the timing set (unless as you say I can adjust it myself with a timing light).

Thanks!

 

[kevhed]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

The timing should stay the same if you don't touch the adjusters. I have a "new to me boat" so I checked the timing just to verify. I did get a light with "2-cycle" option. The instructions with the CDI pack are very clear- walk you through step by step. The switchout is pretty easy, really plug n play, although I had to use a quick shot with the impact wrench to loosen the bolt holding the optical sensor cover on.

 

[Lindyman]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Thought I'd re-cap for future searchers. I replaced the power pack the other weekend and the motor has run perfectly since. I bought a package deal on line with new pack, plug wires, and optical sensor. Kit only included 4 of 6 wires (seller is sending other 2), but I just kept 2 of my old ones. Although the pack specifically called for the "gray special wires", I went to two marine shops and they told me there would be no harm in using my old ones. Also, I did not install the optical sensor. I did not think this was broken so I did not replace it. I though better to install the new power pack and verify that was the root cause. Then, if my sensor ever dies (I hear they die frequently) I have the part to replace it. So that's that, all fixed up and running great. My initial symptom was an intermittent spark. Half the time I would go to the boat ramp only to find that the engine just spun with no fire. I would pull the plugs to test and would have no spark. The boat would sit for 30 minutes and I'd try again and vuala - it fired right up. Pulled the plugs and nice strong spark. It did this sporatically for 2 years. Finaly, it started to die intermittantly while driving and that's when I new it was either stator or power pack. Tested stator statically and eveything tested good. That was enough reason for me to purchase the new pack. Hope this may help someone in the future with similar problems. Thanks for the above replies.

 

[sv10001975]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Is there any way you could post the instructions for checking the timing with a light for those of us who would like to verify but not changing anything? I would really appreciate this because I hate to spend the money for the analyzer to set the timing once.

Thanks,

 

[rob ranger]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Is there any way you could post the instructions for checking the timing with a light for those of us who would like to verify but not changing anything? I would really appreciate this because I hate to spend the money for the analyzer to set the timing once.

Thanks,

Hey guys I need help I have a 95 fast strike 150 with the same problems with it starting then no spark at the plugs , i have order the timing switch and hope this will fix problem ,but i have no idea how to start this project can anyone help

 

[Lindyman]

Re: 93Johnson fast strike 150hp - Ingnition help needed

Hey guys I need help I have a 95 fast strike 150 with the same problems with it starting then no spark at the plugs , i have order the timing switch and hope this will fix problem ,but i have no idea how to start this project can anyone help

Don't waste your time with the timing switch (optical sensor). If the problem is intermitent like mine was it is the power pack. I know it is expensive but just do some searching online and bite the bullet and replace it. I got a pretty good deal buying a new pack on E-bay. I think it was about $275. The install is easy, literally unbolt the old one and bolt on the new one. Just mark all the wires and make sure they go back on the same way. I have used my motor for almost a year now since replacing the pack and it is awesome. I can now go anywhere without worry. I also recommend purchasing the shop manual for this motor; it is really good and has good instructions on just about everything.