Johnson 3hp what model and year

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Yup, 030 gap is not big enough to mimick compression in the cylinder. 1/4" is needed to ensure proper spark intensity.

 

[racerone]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Those condensers are old.----Put a new set in there.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

High Trim and Boobie -- think the tester plug I've used for years is a surface gap plug. I think that type of plug (has only the center post/electrode) could still be available for use, maybe in some outboards. It's an old type of plug. The test plug I have has a clamp for grounding to the engine block -- spark jumps from the center post to the sides. I think the spark probably exceeds .030, but I'm not sure -- might even exceed 1/4 inch.

But folks do sometimes use the regular plugs for testing, as you know, grounding them on the block. I was just suggesting that the plug ought to be clean and gapped, anyway, if that is the way spark is tested.

 

[terry hubb]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Cleand the points up a little got spark to one plug now! Im going to go ahead an buy a Ignition tune up kit as listed in the link, from Napa. Its cheep enough, mine as well.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

sounds like a good plan. The NAPA parts are Sierra after-market parts, and I've had good success with them. But there is mixed opinion here. If you are new to doing magnetos (and maybe even if you're not), do one side at a time, and make sure the wiring is tucked down to avoid the flywheel. It's also a good time to lift the mag plate, and replace spark wires (7mm). Clean the coil connections, even though you aren't replacing coils yet.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Ive never really had a problem with Sierra ignition components either. Most of their stuff is pretty good actually. I stay away from their impellers though until Im satisfied that they have worked the bugs out.

 

[terry hubb]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Model number

 

[racerone]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Post #3 suggests that your motor is a 1967 model.----The model # here agrees with that !

 

[terry hubb]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Haha thanks

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

I've never had a problem with the Sierra parts from NAPA either. Points & condensers, Coils and carb kits are usually about $20 each. If they don't have them in stock, they can usually have it delivered within 24hrs. for free.

 

[terry hubb]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Just picked up the tune up kit $32.77 a littlemore than expected but oh wellthe guy at NAPA said they don't sell plug wiresso now I need to find those do they sell them on here

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

yeah, it's getting harder and harder to find copper core wire :/ You can order a 25' spool, but that's overkill. You might try a local boat store, or small engine shop. You should only need 5'-6' max.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Everyone always forgets about the good old dealer.

If you don't have a dealer near you, Tractor Supply, or a number of online vendors.

 

[59 Fatty]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Hey Terry,
Sorry for jumping into your thread, but I just came across one of these yesterday and picked it up. I will be following along, sort of parallel to your project. If you can please post the carb kit part number I would appreciate it. Good luck and keep posting pix and vids!
Dave

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

$32 give or take was what I paid last fall for a Sierra kit, so you seem to have been charged the going rate. The spool of plug wiring was something they happened to have, but sounded like the spool they have is the last of it. Not expensive.

 

[terry hubb]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

yeah they had this Spool of wire but the crimper was 50 bucks or so. so I decided to hold off and look for the wires premade. it came to like $130 for the spool of wire crimper and kit, if I went that route

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Crimper? You don't need any crimper. PM sent.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

(High Trim probably covered this for you -- beat me to the punch, but can correct the procedure I was in process of posting.)

crimper?? If we are still talking about the little three, you pull the old 7mm plug wire from the coil after loosening the clamp(s) under the magneto plate. The rubber boot on the plug end pulls off the wire, leaving the spring connector attached (usually). The old wire is measured against the new wire for length, using a generous measurement for the new wire just to be sure, and then is replaced in the coil. I don't think I've replaced plug wires without replacing coils (i.e., with the coil not yet screwed down to the magneto plate). I believe I would loosen the coil (assuming you are going with the existing ones), to give you some room in attaching the new wire. The wire goes on to a spike at the coil connection after you thread it through the rubber boot that goes into the plate opening. Then you tighten down the clamps under the plate and perhaps the coil (might leave it unscrewed until you go over to the second coil to replace the wire there). At the plug end, you push the sharp point of the coil spring through the end of the wire (horizontally, as I recall), then slip the rubber boot back over the spring connector until the connector is back in place where it will accept the top of the plug. It helps to use a little lube to get the boot in place. Make sure the connector is clean and shined up for good connection before putting the boot back on. Go on the the other side and repeat the process.

There is no crimping, and no point in buying preassembled wires (with the considerable expense, if you can get them). Find the wire. It's about a buck a foot or less, and you need only three or four feet (OK, buy five feet or so just to be sure in case you cut one short).

Anyway, it probably takes longer to describe the assembly process than to do it -- think I've got it about right, but there are some folks here who have done just a few, and they may have a better technique, or can fill in blanks if I've missed something.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

The only small things I would add would be that you need to twist the wire into the coil. Not just push it in. This causes the wire to spiral around the coil pin, locking it on, preventing it from falling off and giving proper continuity. I add a drop of dielectric grease into the cavity before inserting the wire to prevent corrosion.

At the spark plug end of the wire, trim back about 1/4" or so of the insulation only, leaving the copper strands exposed. Now fold these back over the wire. Now puncture the wire with the spring clip, dead center. Spray with WD40, then slide the boot on. Folding the wires back onto itself again ensures proper continuity. If you simply spike the spring through the wire, you may have been off center, or in angled while puncturing.

Little silly things, but hard troubleshooting erratic spark after you are all said and done. Little things along the way can help to avoid doing any trouble shooting later. More time for boating

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Johnson 3hp what model and year

Thanks, HighTrim. appreciated.