Re: rectifier/regulator ?
I feel for ya. I have a Johnson that I've been working on most of the summer. If you can't afford a manual, then read as many threads here on iboats as possible.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the forum page and click Johnson outboards. You will find an alphabetical list of topics that are archived. start looking through them. I solved many problems that way. I would not be as far in my rebuild without them.
To get you started, get a spark tester, they're pretty cheap. But, if you can't afford one then they are easy to make. I used long screws and scrap wood to create a spark tester with an adjustable gap.
The first thing I would do is find out how far along does the electricity stop before it reaches the plugs. Start w/ the battery, and use a multimeter to test that. Don't assume it is good unless it is brand new. Better yet in fact, never assume.
Work from the battery forward. You need to find out what type of ignition system your motor has too, and test the individual components with a multimeter ($12 @ walmart, get the digital) or spark tester depending on what it is you are testing. Work your way towards the plugs. Keep tracing wires, be patient, don't get discouraged.
Good Luck. Keep us updated. Keep asking questions.
