More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

[rrw]

Hi, more issues with my 1994 Johnson 9.9 electric start remote motor. I got it last fall, never hearing it run. This spring, I cleaned the carb, replaced the impeller, and started in the shop in a barrel, it ran beautiful. Then it sat a few weeks, on the water it ran like crap, I found it was only sparking on one cylinder, thanks to some of you guys for advice I replaced the power pack, it now runs a little better and fires on both plugs, but won't stay running for more then a few seconds below about 1800rpm, above that I can keep it going if I hit the primer solenoid once every 3-5 seconds. I took a spark plug and bent the finger out to about a 1/4" gap, with the motor running I checked both plug wires, they both throw a Orange looking spark, and the really weird thing is the motor runs better on either of the cylinders by itself then with both hooked up.
Things I've checked: pulled hose off carb, while cranking fuel pulses out heavy, took carb apart, everything seemed ok. Pulled fuel pump apart, looks good. Tried running on different tank.checked compression 105 psi, checked grounds on coil, cdi, battery etc.
Really stumped, keeping it running with primer would lead me to fuel delivery, but seems good.Orange spark at 1/4" gap probably isn't terrible. And why does it run better on 1 cylinder than 2??? Please help, its time to troll! Ryan

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

Orange spark both cylinders?......

The spark should be a strong blue lightning like flame that will jump a 7/16" gap.... a real SNAP! Anything less indicates faulty ignition. You've already replaced the powerpack as per your post info so it's unlikely that is flawed.

The Black/Yellow wire leading from the powerpack to the kill button (or ignition switch if so rigged)... make sure that there is no battery voltage present there on the engine wiring harness side (engine not running). If this is okay, check the stator for the proper readings, and also inspect it for cracks and any leaking of a sticky looking substance which if it exists, replace it regardless of the readings.

 

[rrw]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

Thanks for the fast reply! I will try to rig something up to test a 7/16" gap, but if its orange at 1/4" its probably not good. I have the kill wire unhooked at powerpack for now. I'll test the stator in morning, I'm assuming id have to pull flywheel to look for this sticky stuff? Thanks again.

 

[rrw]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

I was thinking texting the stator would use some generic specs but I can't find any actual specs for this motor, I also read I may need a specialised meter, is this true? Thanks again.

 

[fireman57]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

Joe is crack wrench on these things. He has helped me a ton over the years. Test your spark with a spark tester that you can get from Autozone or whoever is your cheap auto parts store in your area. They are about 10 dollars. It needs to be a bright blue like he says and then everyone will go from there. First things first.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

I was thinking texting the stator would use some generic specs but I can't find any actual specs for this motor, I also read I may need a specialised meter, is this true? Thanks again.

A ordinary analog ohm/volt meter will do.

 

[boobie]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

Go to cdielectronics.com for trouble shooting on your ignition system.

 

[rrw]

Re: More problems, 9.9 runs better with one plug wire off.

Thanks guys for the help. I got the tool to test 7/16" spark jump, I tested it at dusk, it is blue and it does snap good. So I don't know, I think I might pull the flywheel and inspect the magnets, stator and whatever else is under there. For it to run better on one cylinder than 2, could it be timing related with the pickup or something? Thanks again.