not getting any fire !!!

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nonstopgo68

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
51
i need help. no spark on either cylinder . i did the test on my 86 johnson 40 hp rectifier that joe reeves posted and it appeared it might be bad . so when i got the new one i tested it and got the same results .my ohm meter shows infinty (or open i guess) on all tests on all wires of rectifier. anyway put new rectifer in and still no spark. could new one be bad ? or what should i look to be problem? it has sat up for awhile.my manual isnt very helpful as far as flow chart type troubleshooting.
thanks in advance
 
bktheking

bktheking

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Messages
5,057
Re: not getting any fire !!!

A rectifier is basically a bunch of diodes, diodes allow current to travel in one direction, you should get a resistance reading in one direction and infinity in the other. Typically when they blow, one diode will blow and reduce the charge going to the battery. All the rectifier does is convert the AC voltage coming from the stator to DC voltage., mine had a blown diode and I still had spark, just low battery charging. I'd be working from the ignition switch back, check wiring/fuses. Then i'd look at the powerpack as the second suspect-check the ground at the powerpack. Search for powerpack testing on this site, you may need a DVA adapter. Then the trigger coil under the flywheel and sensor as well, one of those might be bad.
 
oldrudedude

oldrudedude

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2008
Messages
480
Re: not getting any fire !!!

Agree. The rectifier is part of the charging system, not ignition system.
 
F

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: not getting any fire !!!

oldrudedude said:
Agree. The rectifier is part of the charging system, not ignition system.
Click to expand...

Another agreement here, the rectifier has nothing to do with the igniton. Besides, if you are trying to test it with a digital multimeter that doesn't have diode check function, most of them won't do that and will give you false readings. But the people that make rectifiers are happy that you bought a new one.

CAUTION: While messing with that ignition system, be aware that it is self powered---it generates it's own electricity. It does not receive power from the ignition switch. If, while fumbling around, you apply power from the ignition switch to the power pack's black&yellow wire you will blow the power pack.

Know what you are doing before proceeding.
 
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nonstopgo68

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
51
Re: not getting any fire !!!

CAUTION: While messing with that ignition system, be aware that it is self powered---it generates it's own electricity. It does not receive power from the ignition switch. If, while fumbling around, you apply power from the ignition switch to the power pack's black&yellow wire you will blow the power pack.

Know what you are doing before proceeding.


this is good advice..could you be a little more vaugue?
the guy who gave me the motor said his teenage son hooked the battery up backwards years ago. so the people who pay for these ads on this website made a few bucks . good for them i say.
;)

thanks for all help
 
bktheking

bktheking

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Joined
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Messages
5,057
Re: not getting any fire !!!

nonstopgo68 said:
this is good advice..could you be a little more vaugue?
the guy who gave me the motor said his teenage son hooked the battery up backwards years ago. so the people who pay for these ads on this website made a few bucks . good for them i say.
;)

thanks for all help
Click to expand...

It's unfortunate that you replaced a part without testing first and going by the word of the PO, putting in batteries backward doesn't always blow a rectifier. I'm sure if you have the tools and ask people on the forum for help and advice and have a good manual in hand you can tackle the issue.
 
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nonstopgo68

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
51
Re: not getting any fire !!!

yes it is unfortunate and expensive. but i tested it(the rectifier)and it was bad. .so it had to be replaced . (my dmm has a rectifier test mode)
If you had one just lyin around, please, i dont want to know. ok lol
this is the first boat i have ever worked on in my life so im learning. but i was reading posts and somewhere in a search for no spark..no fire ..ect... it had the recommendation to check rectifier.i know now that it is like an alternator and part of the charging system and has NOTHING to do with the output of spark .
thank you for all your help , just hope anyone reading this post can learn from my mistake.
 
G

grsmnky1

Cadet
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
14
Re: not getting any fire !!!

Have you checked your lanyard circuit if you have one. my connector came loose one time on my 30 hp and i had a no spark condition. I'm not sure if the forty has one or not. also check your nuetral safety switch if applicable.
 
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nonstopgo68

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
51
Re: not getting any fire !!!

what is a lanyard circuit? i cant find it in my my clymer pos manual.
how do you test it to make sure? thanks i advance.
 
bktheking

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: not getting any fire !!!

It's a switch that grounds out when the circuit is closed. It's the little plastic clip that goes over a switch usually located on the controls, normally closed, open when the clip is on.
 
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nonstopgo68

Seaman
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
51
Re: not getting any fire !!!

thanks that definitely would cause a no spark but from what i have read about mine it doesn't have one.
 
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