replacing plug wires?

[janderson11881]

1966 rds28b (40 horse) Been having spark issues but think I have them figured out. Replacing plug wires now, is there a trick to removing the plate below the flywheel or does it simply pop off with a bit of force?

 

[F_R]

Re: replacing plug wires?

1966 rds28b (40 horse) Been having spark issues but think I have them figured out. Replacing plug wires now, is there a trick to removing the plate below the flywheel or does it simply pop off with a bit of force?

That plate is called an armature plate. Yes there is a trick to getting it off--you have to undo the screws. Look at the coils. You will see two screws near the ends of the pole pieces and one nearer the center. That center one holds the armature plate on. But wait, there are two more, between the coil and points. So, four screws, two through the coils and two beside them. They are "captive" screws, meaning you unscrew them enough to release the threads, but don't take them all the way out.

Once the screws are loosed, the armature plate lifts off. No force required.

 

[acwilkins]

Re: replacing plug wires?

what made you think about replacing the wires? I have a 1966 rkl-28b 40hp. Top Cylinder only has no spark at the plugs. I couldn't think of a way to test the different components so we swapped the coil packs and condensers and we still have spark on the bottom cylinder only. This has me thinking it it either simply the connection or the wire itself.

What wires did you get to replace them? It's a bit confusing looking at the parts available.

 

[F_R]

Re: replacing plug wires?

what made you think about replacing the wires? I have a 1966 rkl-28b 40hp. Top Cylinder only has no spark at the plugs. I couldn't think of a way to test the different components so we swapped the coil packs and condensers and we still have spark on the bottom cylinder only. This has me thinking it it either simply the connection or the wire itself.

What wires did you get to replace them? It's a bit confusing looking at the parts available.

So, you swapped the coils and condensers. What did you do about the most common cause of no fire--the points?
Anyway, to answer your question, the wires often arc through where they are clamped to the bottom of the armature plate. Just a tiny pin-hole. You must use "wire" wire, that is copper wire core. Car "wires" have a carbon string core and are no good for outboards. Find wire wires at some auto parts stores, especially in rural areas. Or farm supply stores like Tractor Supply. It is used on tractors. A few lawn mower shops stock it on rolls also. And, of course don't overlook the obvious---decent outboard shops. Oops, forgot...iboats has it in 25 ft rolls with a bunch of useless terminals included.

 

[acwilkins]

Re: replacing plug wires?

The points look brand new. I ran out of daylight but I was going to switch them over too; just to rule them out. I can't seem to buy any of this stuff locally, I didn't want to place order after order on a trial and error kind of basis.

Is there any real way to test the points?

When I did a resistance test on the wires I got very very different readings. Strangely, the wire that has spark seems to have a MUCH higher resistance reading than the other.