Runs everyother day...

[AdamGrier_atc]

I have a Johnson 60hpVRO, that has served my family well until last year. Sometimes the engine will crank right up and run all day. Other times, it will turn over, but there is no spark. It is very frustruating because every time I ask the local mechanic to check it out, it cranks fine! <br /><br />Any ideas why this is happening, or what I can do to repair?<br /><br />Thanks in advance

 

[ob]

Re: Runs everyother day...

What year or model number is the engine?

 

[AdamGrier_atc]

Re: Runs everyother day...

I am not sure, the boat is 2 hours away. I believe that it was made in 86-87.

 

[ob]

Re: Runs everyother day...

Your intermittent spark failure could be several things.One easy check you could try the next time it acts up is to make sure that the safety lanyard cap is fully depressing the kill button on the controls.If your controls has the old style rubber cap,they are prone to stretching out over time and can cause intermittent loss of ignition.Worst case scenario woulsd be a failure within the power pack.I realize this is a difficult troubeshooting process,even for an experienced tech,particularly when it is working at the time.Good luck.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Runs everyother day...

You have one of those "RARE" engines that only runs on odd # days.<br /><br />Im just being silly, OB probably has you well covered.

 

[AdamGrier_atc]

Re: Runs everyother day...

Thanks OB. I have already checked the kill switch. What I don't understand is that it never "cuts off" while running. It just won't restart sometimes.

 

[AdamGrier_atc]

Re: Runs everyother day...

If it is the powerpack, where can I buy one, and is it difficult for a novice mechanic to swap out?

 

[ob]

Re: Runs everyother day...

Wouldn't just buy one without eletrically condemning the one you have.Those buggers are expensive and once you buy one it's yours.Only problem is ,is that it needs to not start up when checking for the failing component.Not to question your problem but did you actually verify that when the engine is reluctant to restart that you had no spark at one or all sparkplugs making sure that each plug was grounded? Just don't want us to be chasing a ghost problem.<br /><br />Symptom sounds unlike an intermittent powerpack failure if the only syptom you have is the fact that it doesn't restart at times yet never occurs when warm and running.Almost sounds like a problem igntion switch that is grounding the ignition when attempting to restart.Not saying it's not a possible powerpack issue though.<br /><br />Tell us how you checked for no fire when it wouldn't start and we'll take it from there.

 

[AdamGrier_atc]

Re: Runs everyother day...

I have checked the spark by grounding the plugs, and there is definately no spark there. I know it probably sounds strange, but I can hear a difference in the engine turning over when it is getting spark (and when it is going to crank) and when it is not. Very strange...<br /><br />How does one check the power pack?

 

[AdamGrier_atc]

Re: Runs everyother day...

I have checked the spark by grounding the plugs, and there is definately no spark there. I know it probably sounds strange, but I can hear a difference in the engine turning over when it is getting spark (and when it is going to crank) and when it is not. Very strange...<br /><br />How does one check the power pack?

 

[oldgreybeard]

Re: Runs everyother day...

I am having a similar problem on a much older engine. Wtih the CD Magneto system it appears that cranking speed is very important to get spark. Even though it appeared and sounded like I have sufficient cranking speed I do not always have spark. Removing just 1 spark plug will allow the motor to spin fast enough to generate spark. If I used a hot shot jumper in conjunction with the installed battery I would get enough amps to spin the motor fast enough to generate spark and it would start fine. It has been my experience that a power pack is either good or bad, not intermittent. Good luck. You can see my post on 1976 135 HP where another subscriber (ezeke) states he needs the largest marine battery possible for good starts.