Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

[Meals_on_Reels]

I am in the process of going through this 1980 7.5HP Gamefisher. Model #217-585840. I am curious how you set the points. I am completely unfamiliar with points ignition, although it seems simple enough. My question is where do I set the rubbing block on the cam? There is what looks like 2 places that are marked on the cam. There appears to be an arrow and also just past the arrow is a set of 2 lines. I marked it before I pulled everything off but when I wiped everything down, away went the markings. DOH!

I appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Oh come on. You people arent foolin me. I know someone knows how to set this up. I know these outboards are generally frowned upon and are relatively cheap but I got it for free and I figure if I have to put $200 into it in order to get working as good as it can then it is still a pretty good bargain for a 7.5hp outboard and should be pretty reliable considering all the new parts I have put into it.

I have rebuilt the carb, replaced the impeller, replaced just about every oil seal and O-ring, replaced the fuel lines, & replaced the condenser, coil, & points. I just dont know where to set the rub block on the cam. Normally it wouldnt be a problem because I would have marked everything but as I said I wiped the marks off while cleaning everything up and I rotated the engine while doing the impeller and seals.

Guess maybe I should get me a service manual huh? Hate to spend $15-20.00 just to figure out one simple proceedure. If you need a pic to see the marks on the cam just chime in.

Thanks. : )

 

[nightingalemoon]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Well, I've never worked on a gamefisher myself, but I think I can help you anyway, Ill sure give it a shot.

With ANY internal combustion engine the spark plug has to fire at the end of the compression stroke; 2 stroke, 4 stroke, rotary, diesel, ANY I.C. works this way. So just pull your plug out, put your thumb over the hole and turn your flywheel. When you feel air pressure that is the compression stroke, just past that you'll feel suction, thats the power or drive stroke, the rest of the time the flywheel will spin easily, that is during intake and exhaust when the cylinder is open for airflow.

As the piston moves toward the spark plug during the compression stroke (when you feel air pressure) it is moving toward top-dead-center (TDC is when the piston is at its highest point between the compression stroke and the power stroke, and is closest to the plug. You'll see the top of the piston through the plug hole.

While the piston is at TDC the points hit the cam roller and cause a spark, igniting the compressed fuel and air mixture. THAT is where you want your points mounted, where they will touch at TDC, or just before that.

That should put your engine in time well enough to start, and should let you know which holes to use for mounting your points. Once its running you can fine-tune the timing along with your carb settings to achieve smooth idle and optimal power.

Hope that helped. Good luck.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

I can't get a spark for nuthin. The coil is new, the condenser is new, the points are new, the spark plug is new and I have the points set to open at the highest point on the cam (which is also marked by an arrow on the cam & just about TDC) and the gap is correctly set at .020. All the wiring is connected corectly (I took pictures before disassembly), and they really will only fit one way. Anyone got any ideas?

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Would it help if I said "pretty please with sugar on top" ? I ordered a service manual so maybe it will hold some answers. Guess Ill go back to painting the ol 75 seaking until the manual shows up.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

. THAT is where you want your points mounted, where they will touch at TDC, or just before that.

Is this correct or inncorrect?

It was my assumption from some research that the points were to remain closed to build up the magnetic field in the coil and when they opened at TDC it caused the field to collapse and sent spark to the plug.

Anyone?

I measured the resistance from the plug wire through the coil to the block and got a reading of 5.36 which is my understanding is a satisfactory reading. The magnet on the flywheel seems strong enough.

Does the coil have to be a certain distance from the flywheel?

 

[steelespike]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Are you working with a manual? Some models use an .018 point setting ,some .020.based on the motor type number..018 on 642-01 through 642-07B,642-8A through 642-10,643-01 through 643-05A,643-06 through 643-09 and 643-15. My aftermarket manual is not clear about this motor type.Where the number might be etc.All others are .020.There is an involved timing/sync procedure.The point setting will change the timing but shouldn't affect the spark.I think I would start by checking that the points make and break.Go from the point terminal to ground(stator plate)with meter leads.Or a test light. rotate the flywheel and note the reaction.You may have to remove the capacitor from the circuit.Flywheel should be torqued to 25 ft lbs.Bore and shaft clean and dry.
Check that the key is not sheared.The point cam may be removable and if so it may have a top and bottom.One coil primary wire goes to ground(stator plate) the other to the point terminal.Be sure the point contacts are not shorted together in the assembly.
There may be a boss on the stator plate to position the coil.
You can get an idea of the high point of the cam by rotating the motor and noting the points opening in relation to top dead center on the piston.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Thanks Steelspike. My powerhead is a 640-19 model. I set the plug gap to .020. It may require the .018, I wont know for sure until my service manual gets here (probably Wednesday). I just found out about this "timing proceedure" last night while looking over some articles on lawnmower repairs. The cam is removable but is installed correctly ( it is marked "top") and all the keys are in good shape. The points do meet and break. The dwell seems a bit long but there doesent seem to be a way to change that. The points open at the high lobe of the cam. The high point is also marked on the lobe with a factory embossed arrow and seems to be just a hair past TDC and I also checked this by using a micrometer to gauge the thickness of the cam to find the highest point. I really don't think the coil could be in any other position than it is. There is a clip that holds it in place. I am dumbfounded. Pretty sure this is going to be one of those very simple issues that make me feel silly once I figure it out. I have checked everything over about 8-9 times and evrything appears to be correct.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp

Here are some pics. I contacted the guy I purchased the ignition parts from to see if he had any suggestions. Something isnt right because the flywheel is cutting into the new coil, almost like the flywheel is sitting too low.

Anyone see sumthin obvious I am overlooking? I still have alot of work to do on this motor but there is no reason to go any further until this problem is solved.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

Okay I did finally manage to get a spark to arc across my ignition tester about 5mm. I managed to do this by slipping on the flywheel and rocking the magnets on the flywheel back and forth in front of the coil and then giving the flywheel a good spin by hand. Thought I was onto something so I slapped it all back together, but no dice. I must really be off on sumthin.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

If its a 640-19 shouild be .020. plug gap .030.
How are the magnets on the flywheel should pull pretty strong on a screwdriver. If the flywheel is rubbing on the coil the stator assembly mount may be loose or bent.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

Well, about to just give up on this one. Got the manual today and Ill be dangit if it didnt even list 640-19 model. Stopped at 640-18.
It also states that 640 models had solid state ignitions.
The engine timing seem to be different for all the models listed. I went by the ignition setup for model "A" and now I am back to no spark. Going by the manual which says to turn the flywheel upside down, lightly grasp the end of a srewdriver and slowly move it toward the magnets and it should get pulled in by the time you are about within an inch...then my flywheel is good. This motor was started the day I got it (after about 40 pulls). It just puked fuel everywhere and ran like crap. Now it doesent run at all after putting about C-Note worth of parts into it. Just dont think it is worth too much more time. Got a bit of money comming my way so maybe Ill splurge on something better if things dont start heading in a better direction.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

Unfortunately these motors can be heart breakers.I didn't want to
say anything when I discovered you had allready invested heavily.
See if you can part it out and put the money toward an E/J 5,5.5.6,7.5 from 52-79.or Gale built Full shift 5hp from 56-63 These motors are all closely related,Routine parts are readily available from dozens of suppliers including Iboats,BRP,NAPA,and many venders on ebay.They are bullet proof,Simple to work on,smooth,relatively quiet,And more powerful than your "Eska"
Coils are the weak point(readily available)Bad coils show cracking and discoloration You can observe them through a port in the flywheel.
I think I paid 14 or $17each on ebay,I knew they would be bad so didn't even inspect them.

 

[Meals_on_Reels]

Re: Setting Points on Gamefisher 7.5hp PICS

I am gonna put this on the old stand (saw horse) and let it stand in the corner till winter. Found a few nice 9.9 & 9.8 Mercs for sale locally. Prolly just go through this Gamefisher with a fine tooth comb over the winter just to have something to do. Then again I may just bash it with a sledge just to feel a bit better.