Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

[Freddy49]

I all, I have gone through alot or ecellent information here, very informative. However I have npt been able to fix my last problem.<br /><br />I have a old Johnson 55hp 1969 Model 55esl69a to repair as a hobby. I gone through lot of good advice here to troubleshoot here is my last problem: I dont have spark when using the starter, but i have a nice spark at each plug when moving the flyweel by hand.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

I would bet your battery is not up to par Freddy. The ignition system you have requires a top notch battery. Anything under about 11V's and the amplifier dies. <br /><br />What's probably happening is, your starter is dragging the battery down and it's not suppying enough power to the ignition to make it work.<br /><br />Check the battery or get a known good battery and try it.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

(Voltage Drop To Battery Capacitance Discharge)<br />( Pulsepack When Electric Starter Is Engaged)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /> <br />On the older Battery Capacitance Discharge ignition systems (1968-1972), the electric starter reaches a point, even with a top notch battery, whereas the starter will draw excess voltage/current/whatever which results in a voltage drop to the pulsepack. The cure is to purchase a diode which is capable of handling 12 volts and installing it between the starter terminal of the starter solenoid (NOT the battery cable terminal) and the wiring terminal that supplies voltage to the pulsepack.<br /> <br />The diode must be installed so that the current flows from the starter terminal of the solenoid to the pulsepack... NOT vice versa. When that diode is installed in this manner, when the key is turned to the start position, the voltage that is applied to the starter is also applied directly to the pulsepack via the diode effectively eliminating the voltage drop and energerizing the pulsepack with the required voltage needed for its proper operation.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Now there is a piece of information I didn't know. Thanks Joe!

 

[fireman57]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Mr. Reeves, that was awesome. Hanging around here is like loitering with my (departed) Dad and his friends. The guys that have been around for awhile, seen and done most of it, are just a wealth of information not to mention minute details and tricks like this one. Glad to still be a part of this forum.

 

[Freddy49]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Thanks a lot for the information, the Diode advise seem to be the thing to do ! I was thinking that my starter was so bad and was causing problem to the electronics, so using the diode will kind of isolate it from the other electronics.<br /><br />Now is it possible to find a diodes that will handle that amount of current, any clue where and what specs or part number to buy ?<br /><br />As a matter of test, I have unplugged the starter wire and jump start it directly between the battery and the starter pole to bypass the selenoid, same problem, very good battery by the way.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[Freddy49]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Joe I have re-read your answer and need just a little clarification, the diodes should not be in serie on the starter wire, but really between the starter pole on the selenoil and the smaller red wire that goes to the amplifiyers.<br /><br />Than I will need a normal 12v Diode that could handle only the current needed by the electronics not by the starter, is that right.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

It is not handling the starter voltage draw, only the normal 12 volts which would be applied to the pulsepack under normal circumstances.<br /><br />Those diodes can be found at any electronic parts store.... Radio Shack, etc.<br /><br />The cable that is attached to the starter..... trace that back to the starter solenoid, attach one lead from the diode to that solenoid terminal. The other lead of the diode is to be attached to whatever color wire that applies 12 volts to the pulsepack when the key is in the START position.<br /><br />Leave the regular wire connected to the pulsepack. The diode voltage is only applied when the engine is cranking over with the atarter. When you release the key from the start position, placing the key/switch in the ON position, the diode voltage ceases to exist and the voltage to the pulsepack is applied via the normal wiring route.

 

[Freddy49]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Thanks,<br /><br />I understand what to do now, I will get this Diode at an electronic store, give it a try and let you know the results.

 

[Freddy49]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

M. Reeves,<br /><br />It is getting better ...<br /><br />I have done all this today (adding the diode) and with a fresh fully charged marine battery, with the diode I have been able to rise the voltage a bit about 1 volt at the cd pulple wire.<br /><br />However I was still not having spark using the starter, then I restart my troubleshooting from the beginning and check the fire on plug by manually turning the flyweeel. I got some fire but not constantly, So I pull out the flyweel and clean the points and regap then to the specs .010 and then bingo running like a charm !<br /><br />I still have a problem to fix now the engine is always in forward, I have seen lot of information on this specificaly from you Joe and my voltage on the the green and blue wire are perfect in the tree position: Neutral = green 12v, forward = 0V on both, and reverse = 12v on green and blue.<br /><br />I then check the oil in the case and seems not completely full as it is not coming out of the top hole.<br /><br />I will get new type C oil, drain and refill to top, I hope it will work!<br /><br />Thanks again, I am impressed by the dedication and experience of the member of this board.

 

[Freddy49]

Re: Johnson 55hp 1969 no spark when starter spins

Finaly finish my troubleshooting,here are the details maybe it would help somebody else.<br /><br />Problem, <br />No spark, or very intermittent, specificaly when using starter instead of manualy turning flyweel.<br /><br />Solution<br />Install Diode on power wire of CD unit as per Joe Reeves instructions, that has raised the available voltage to the CD unit, Install fresh battery group 27 marine. Replace lots of rooted wiring in the engine and under flyweell, on the points, clean and regap the points. Running very smooth now.<br /><br /><br />Problem:<br />Always on forward gears, no neutral or reverse<br /><br />Solution:<br />Test all the voltage on green and blue wire as per Joe's instruction, all OK.<br />Flush gear oil and refill to top with type C oil, tested work fine now.<br /><br />I thank you all again for your help on my issues, great site with great people.<br /><br />Freddy,<br />Johnson 55hp 1969, back to life !!!