gamefisher - no spark

[alexanderr]

9.9 gamefisher, model 217.586240, serial #08-206426. I do not know the year manufactured.<br /><br />When I check for spark in the plugs by laying them up against a bare spot on the engine with the wire attached, I am not seeing even a weak or intermittant spark, however, when I try to start the engine, it will run poorly for a short while & then stall. So, I am assuming I am at least getting a weak spark because it wouldn't fire unless there was a spark. I bought the engine about a year ago, but got busy doing other things and have not got around to working on it till recently. Prior to even trying to start it, I rebuilt the carb with all the necessary parts that I got from sears, so I am pretty sure that it's not a gas problem unless I have the lean/rich needle totally off the mark. It's hard to tell or adjust the needle if you can't get the motor to run for more that a couple of seconds. I am thinking it must be either the plug transformers and/or the magnito. I cleaned all contacts on the spindle and the magnito but I am still be getting a weak spark. So when I call to get the parts, sears said that the manufacturer was not making these parts anymore. I also tried a number of marine part companies & had no luck. One source,laingsoutboards.com, also said you could not get these part unless you find them used.<br /><br />questions...1.does anyone know where I could get these parts either new or used? 2. can anyone suggest a better way of testing the magnito and the spark plug transformer.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

Try tcoutboard.com or one of the other outboard junkyards.<br /><br />They'll have several of these motors on hand, and sell the parts from them.<br /><br />That's a 1980 model, made by Eska, and you're right, the parts just aren't available new, so you'll be stuck with getting used ones. That's a solid-state magneto, feeding ignition coils, so there's not much you can do except find the right parts, I'm afraid.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

One more piece of information that might be useful to you. Eska used Tecumseh engines exclusively. Yours is based on a Tec 643-29 model engine.<br /><br />You might search around and see if some small engine parts company has the magneto parts for that model Tecumseh...possibly used for some other application. Worth a try.

 

[alexanderr]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

Thanks CATransplant, <br />I have been contacting a number of parts dealers & did find the "$250.00" part available through the information you gave me. Thanks again. However, before I invest that kind of money into this old engine, I want to make sure that the problem that I suspect is right. I am now looking into finding a sure-fire way to make sure that the reason I'm not getting a spark is really the magnito! Any tips from you or anybody regarding a way of testing the part without just looking for a spark in the plug while turning the engine over? <br />Thanks again for your quick response...Alexanderr

 

[xltier]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

not always-but most of the time a bad magneto makes no spark at all.usually a weak spark is caused by a bad coil.[plug transformer]in the 2 stroke snowmobile engine we get no idle due to weak spark and if you rev it up the spark increases somewhat.then we know its coil.the mag just makes and breaks a connection ground to the coil.[plus other things of course]

 

[alexanderr]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

Thanks xltier,<br />When it was dark last night, I turned it over to see a spark. I did see a very weak spark on both cilinders. The reason I think I know it may be weak is that I have another small engine (Johnson 6 hp) and when I turn it over to check for spark, you can even hear it and see it in broad daylight. So, I'm thinking it may be the coil/transformer as you say. Then again, what are the possibilities of both coils/transformers going out at the same time & both having almost identically "weak" sparks. Anyway, I am hoping for someone to reply who may be able to help me find a way to test the transformers and or the magneto through test equipment, etc. If that is possible. Maybe a multimeter or spark indicator (something that could measure the strength of the spark or current). I don't know enough about that to even ask a good question about that. Anyway, thank you for your feedback, it has taken me to another direction.<br />In fact, maybe I can get a transformer for less money and or get one or two used transformers instead of putting big money into something that I may have to eventually use as an anchor.<br /><br />Thanks again, Alexanderr

 

[xltier]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

u can test the coils .your rite about both at the same time thou.a coil just magnifies the voltage.connect 12 volts to the hot wire.then take another jumper wire and hook to ground on the batt also.connect a plug or something near a ground spot.then just touch the ground wire to the negative side of the coil.the coil should spark everytime u touch and dont.a spark tester from an auto store works great.[cheap]u can do this with about any coil.auto-snowmobile-chainsaw-whatever.watch your fingers thou.zzzaaaaaapppp!!!

 

[alexanderr]

Re: gamefisher - no spark

xltier,<br />Thanks for sharing your experience. I used your advice & got an ok reading both ways...so it's not the coils. As I said earlier, I was getting a spark & was concerned that the spark was not as strong as I was used to in other motors. However, after testing the spark, I tried running again & after much sweat and tears and a few chosen words, I found the problem. When I was pumping the gas by hand, I spotted a small pin leak in the gas line on the under side, of course. Since it was at the connection point, I cut the end of the hose and re-attached it. It took me a little while to get the lean/rich adjustment right, but when I did, I was able to even put it in gear & test it under load in my tank (trash can). Just goes to show you, look for the simple first, stupid...I'm refering to myself. One thing for sure, I know I'm getting a good spark now. I'm ready for my test run next weekend. I'll let you all know. Thanks again...alexanderr.