Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

[JEDS67]

Hello folks.I have been lurking around your awesome site for a little while now finding out some helpful information so I have another problem that has stumped me and thought someone here could help.I have a 1970E 33 Hp Johnson that I just changed both of the coils,points and condensers and now I have no spark.I had previously had enough spark to run it but now after I changed everything I have nothing.Could this be a timing problem or something else.Oh and I have set the points to 22 thou like the manual says.I am at my wits end so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thank you for your time.JEDS67 Newbie

 

[lindy46]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

Did you replace the wires? Check for continuity from the coils to the plug boots.

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

First off thank you for answering my post.That is the one thing I didn't change or check I just assumed they were fine because they were previously working.Can you use an automotive sparkplug wire or are they specific to outboards.If so I will just change them.Do you think it could be timing?

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

make sure you properly set the air gap on the coils.in other words the gap between the coil and the magnets as even a little out can either cause the coils to strike the magnets or they will be too far away and you will not get spark either.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

auto wires will not hold up to vibration. do some reading here: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=299680

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

I have checked my coils and they are inline with the bosses.I actually called the dealer today and they said I have a short at the points so I took It all apart again and cleaned all the grounds and still no spark.I am going to look for some new sparkplug wires while I am at it.After that I don't know.JEDS67

 

[lindy46]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

Use copper core wires.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

If the motor is electric start with a kill circuit, that could be your problem. Two black wires coming out from under the armature plate - they connect to the points and go to the ignition switch. When in the "off" position, they ground out the points and kill the engine. Check that circuit.

 

[bassboattech]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

if your not getting spark at either coil....go back to the points and recheck...def use marine grade wires with solid core not the fiber stuff....theres a reason they have marine parts. my guess is somethings not right before the coils, also ck ground on coils if i remember right the coild grounds though its case...ck that area too

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

Lindy46 I showed a friend the wiring diagram tonight and he suggested the smae thing.So I disconnected those two wires and got a faint spark when one plug accidently grounded out to the engine case and not the head so I am heading in the right direction I hope.I will look for some marine sparkplug wires and keep you updated.I am away for work for a couple of days so I probably won't get back to it till Saturday.JEDS67

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

Well folks I got a chance to put in some time on my engine last night when a friend came over and we finally got it running.We disconnected the wiring to the cutout and the points.We have narrowed it down to one of three things.It is either the cutout,ignition or kill switch as lindy46 stated.So tomorrow I am going to change the kill switch and have a look at the ignition switch.Maybe they are corroeded.I took the cutout switch apart tonight and didn't find anything wrong and also checked the vacuum port and it didn't seem to be plugged.I will let you know what happens tomorrow.JEDS67

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

I have now taken the vacuum operated cut out switch apart and inspected it and everything looks fine.I also checked the hose from the crankcase to it and it is not plugged or cracked.So I cut off a little on each end so it would seal better and re-installed it.Is there a way to test these units and if so can someone tell me how to test one of these.JEDS67

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

The problem was my kill switch.The good thing is now I have all new coils ,points and condencers which it needed the coils anyway.I put my boat in the river today and it ran fairly well.I think now I just need to properly adjust the carburetor because it is surging a little at wide open throttle and the plugs are pretty black.Thanks guys for all your help.I may be back who knows.Thanks again.JEDS67

 

[JEDS67]

Re: Newbie With A 1970 Johnson 33 Hp And No Spark

Just a little foot note to my last post.I thought it was the kill switch but I ended up having more problems after the last time out.I ended up not having any spark again and so I went searching for the problem again and I think I found it this time.It was the main ground on the junction block under the dash so I changed everything.New ignition,new junction block,and new ends on all the connections.It is running awesome and now it has to go away for the winter.Anyway I thought I would just drop a note to say thanks again for all your help from the members.