spark plug wires reversed?

Hanr3

Seaman
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
71
I have a '57 Johnson 18hp motor. Wondering if its possible to reverse the spark plug wires, and get the motor to run? I know what it sounds like to get a couple spark plug wires crossed up on a V6 or V8, just not sure about a 2 cycle.

My motor doesnt seem to run properly and I have rebuilt/replaced the ignition and carb. I cna get it to idle at about 3-4 mph and up, top speed is 7 mpg. on a 14' Alumicrat boat. I followed the tips in teh sEcret file, and have a manual. MAybe Im expecting too much from this motor?
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: spark plug wires reversed?

I don't think it would run at all with the wires swapped. It would be sparking at the bottom of the stroke instead of at the top.

But something certainly is wrong, it should be much faster than that.
 

bktheking

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: spark plug wires reversed?

Should my way quicker, my qd-12 10hp pushes me 18mph. Check your spark again and this time do it with a timing light, that will tell you for sure. How's compression on the motor? They won't run with the wires reversed, I've tried many many times, they'll backfire but that's about it. You can do it on a V8 as you are dealing with more cylinders in the equation, apples to apples, reverse all 8 wires and see if she starts, me thinks "backfire".
 

Hanr3

Seaman
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
71
Re: spark plug wires reversed?

that good to know. It helps me eliminate things.
 
Top