No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

[Bear700]

Have a 1979 55HP Johnson 2 Cyl. With CD type ignition. I am getting a good spark on #2 cyl, but #1 is almost completely dead. In other words...it is dead with an occasional spark in there. All connections have been cleaned, though wiring is a bit nasty (insulator cracking) in places. Like I said, #2 fires great. Can this be a bad power pack. I have changed both coils and wires, and have new plugs. Tested with a gap test 7/16". Any thought would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[jtexas]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

with bad wiring in place, I wouldn't draw any conclusions from any observations.

Cracked insulation represents an opportunity for current to arc to ground. It also suggest the possibility of broken/partially broken conductor inside. Either of which would give you the "occasional spark" in there.

 

[Bear700]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

With a broken or partially broken conductor, would I still be getting a strong spark on #2? Just trying to figure this out.

 

[SS140]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

Since you've ruled out the Coils, I would suggest that the wiring is grounding somwhere.

Run it in the dark and look for blue sparks somewhere, It's worth a shot I think.

 

[Bear700]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

Thanks....could it be something under the flywheel...ie sensor or charge coil...or do these power BOTH coils, and therefore are probably in good shape. Like I said...good power to the #2 coil/cyl. Just the #1 is weak.

 

[SS140]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

Lost me there. I dont know much about under the flywheel, YET.....

But good luck man, hope you get that pretty boat running like a scoldid dog!

 

[jtexas]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

With a broken or partially broken conductor, would I still be getting a strong spark on #2? Just trying to figure this out.

I guess that would depend on which wires were bad and you're the only one who knows that.

You could continue to randomly throw parts at it, or you could fix what you know is wrong (the wiring), and see where that leaves you.

 

[Bear700]

Re: No/Weak Spark on #1 Cyl.

I guess that would depend on which wires were bad and you're the only one who knows that.

You could continue to randomly throw parts at it, or you could fix what you know is wrong (the wiring), and see where that leaves you.

My goal is not to see how much time and money I can spend here. I am trying (because I don't know) to understand the break down of the system. If I have a strong spark on #2, then do I have a good sensor coil/charge coil under the flywheel? I don't know if there are 2 separate units under there that feed each coil independently, or if it is a common wiring unit that goes to the Power Pack, where it is split...then fed to each separate coil. So if anyone care to chime in...great. Then I will know that I am looking for a frayed or grounded wire AFTER the power pack before the coil/spark plug wire. This Capacitor Discharge type system is new to me. Thanks.