Johnson QD-15 - removed magneto plate, now have a question

[mixin]

Ok, I am in the process of installing an lanyard style ignition kill switch, so I removed the flywheel with no trouble since it was just removed by the previous owner to install coils. I noticed the point sets and mag plate were a bit oily. One of the points was adjusted a little tight, so I fixed that and removed the plate to drill it for the switch wires.

At this point I noticed the previous owner did not install two of the four screws that hold the mag plate on. The two that are missing are the long ones that go through the coils. Is this a big deal?

Next I noticed that the "ring" that the mag plate screws to, to attach to the powerhead is loose and spins around beneath another bracket that retains it. Is it ok for this "ring" to be loose?

This ring and the area under the mag plate in general is somewhat wet and oily. I read that there is some type of upper seal here. Does this oilyness mean that this seal is bad? If so, is it easy to change?

One last question, I cleaned up the points and mag plate with Brakclean. What do I put the tune up grease on - the felt wiper on the points set or the cam itself?

Thanks for all of your input!

Mike
Grand Rapids, MI

 

[F_R]

Re: Johnson QD-15 - removed magneto plate, now have a question

Ok, I am in the process of installing an lanyard style ignition kill switch, so I removed the flywheel with no trouble since it was just removed by the previous owner to install coils. I noticed the point sets and mag plate were a bit oily. One of the points was adjusted a little tight, so I fixed that and removed the plate to drill it for the switch wires.

At this point I noticed the previous owner did not install two of the four screws that hold the mag plate on. The two that are missing are the long ones that go through the coils. Is this a big deal?

Next I noticed that the "ring" that the mag plate screws to, to attach to the powerhead is loose and spins around beneath another bracket that retains it. Is it ok for this "ring" to be loose?

This ring and the area under the mag plate in general is somewhat wet and oily. I read that there is some type of upper seal here. Does this oilyness mean that this seal is bad? If so, is it easy to change?

One last question, I cleaned up the points and mag plate with Brakclean. What do I put the tune up grease on - the felt wiper on the points set or the cam itself?

Thanks for all of your input!

Mike
Grand Rapids, MI

Clean up all that greasy mess. Re-lubricate the mounting parts sparingly when reassembling. Most of that greasy mess comes from over lubricating and old grease liquifying and splattering around.

Lube the cam very sparingly on the wick. A dab will do ya.

The mounting ring will be loose and sloppy by itself. Different story when it is all assembled. The ring goes with the flat side up.

You aren't going to catch me saying to leave any screws out. Proceed at your own risk.

 

[mixin]

Re: Johnson QD-15 - removed magneto plate, now have a question

Most of that greasy mess comes from over lubricating and old grease liquifying and splattering around.

I bet that's why the port side point set was oily and the starboard was dry, because the port side is within "splatter range" of the excess grease flying off the wick. I will clean with more Brakcleen to be sure everything is squeaky dry before reassembly.

If I understand you correctly, I should put a "dab" on the wick ONLY. Will do.

I thought I might chance it, but with the way 2-cycles shake and vibrate, the mag plate was probably engineered to hold down with four screws for a reason...I will go to my local boat shop - they have given me vintage screws before. I'll bring in one of the short ones and hope they will know the length of the longer one I need.

If somebody has one laying around and can measure it, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks F_R!!!

Mike