Engine Problem

[novice boater54]

I just purchased a 1969 85 hp johnson v-4 and didn't hear it running. It apparently has been converted from points to breakerless electronic ignition by some one.I did have it running for a few minutes then it died and it appeard that the power head may be running a bit warm so I removed the lower end and replaced the water pump impeller.
It has a bombardier amplifier module. It came with the contols for electric shift and key switsh taken from dash of previous boat. The wires were marked for reassembly which I made a diagram of in order to install on my boat. My problem is that the engine ran for a while but started with some difficulty and then hasn't ran or fired very well. I notice that when I short the solenoid to engage starter with key on that the spark plugs only ignite when releasing the solenoid. Could a wire be connected wrong to the key in order to allow spark only when releasing the key instead of cranking the engine? I have abother problem too is that when cranking the engine it fired and while the starter was engaged it apparently bent the starter shaft and now I have to replace or rebuild the starter?
By the way is compression of 100 on three cylinders and 95 on the fourth a bad sign?
Any help is appreciated

 

[The-Machinist]

Re: Engine Problem

That kinda compression it not good. It sounds like its time for a rebuild. She will never make a good amount of power with those numbers. Sorry.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Engine Problem

Compression testing is simply a general gauge of the BALANCE of an engine, that all cylinders pump within a percentage of the same. Individual gauges can and will give different readings, the numbers themselves are not near important is their pattern. In your case the numbers are relatively consistent with the lowest still within 5%, which is within the acceptable range.

Early amplifier ignitions require battery voltage during cranking, you may have a weak battery, excessive starter draw, or a poor connection between the battery and the amplifier.

A bent starter shaft could have been caused by a hydraulicked cylinder, advanced timing, or someone stuck a screwdriver between the starter gear and flywheel while torquing on the flywheel nut. Verify your WOT timing by removing the spark plugs and connecting the wires to a spark adapter/tester, open the throttle wide open, connect your timing light and a remote starter button, check timing.

Sorry, but that bent starter shaft/armature will need to be replaced. You could try to straighten it since it it is hurt already, if it straightens out you could use it for a while yet and save a few $ till later on.

 

[JB]

Re: Engine Problem

I agree with CharlieB. Your compression is fine.