sparkey want spark help

[oldboatguy]

I Have Been Working One The Magneto System Of 1971 40 Hp
Evinrude 2 Cylinder Outboard
Can Some One Tell What I Did Wrong
The Spark Plug Wires Do Not Shock You Or Spark At All
But!! If You Touch Both Plug Wires At The Same Time It Will Shock
You.....not Real Hard But Does Shock
I Have Replace Points Plugs Coils Condensers New Wires
One More Question Do You Have To Set The Timing On This
Out Board... I Thought The Wodruff Key Set The Timing....
My Manual Shows A Special Tool To Set The Timing ,,,,
I Do Not Have Such Tool So Any Ideas Are Welcome:

 

[HighTrim]

Re: sparkey want spark help

What are you using to test the spark? An inline spark tester with a gat set to 7/16 of an inch?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: sparkey want spark help

the coils must be lined up the boss on the timing plate. see red circle. putting coil and wires together, make sure the center of the wire, is in contact with the pin in the coil. also if you had to put the plug end together, strip back part of the insulation, and wrap around the spring, before putting the boot on, don't depend on the little pin. i've been thru this before.

 

[oldboatguy]

Re: sparkey want spark help

i have moved the coils many times to try to get a spark.......
i can't even get a shock...when i hold the spark plug wire
but if i hold both i get a shock
i am afraid the wiring is wrong it seems i have studied the wiring diagram
for hours i can't figure out how to set the time
i don't have a special toolthanks for you help
as far as testing if i ever get a good shock then i'll use tester......
this is the fourth day i have spent on this one issue
thanks guys
oldboatguy

 

[iwombat]

Re: sparkey want spark help

Holding the wires to try and get a spark is a hit-and-miss test at best. My guess is when you're holding one the spark is jumping to ground near the coil. When you hold both, you're bridging the circuit to the other coil and a better ground path. Make a tester out of a board and some nails.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: sparkey want spark help

Take a very close look at Tashasdaddy advise and an even closer look at the picture he included.

The alignment of the coils is CRITICAL, too large a gap between the coils and the flywheel magnets will weaken the spark terribly. The gap MUST BE near perfect WITHOuT touching to produce maximum spark.

Point gap and cleanliness is also CRITICAL, poor contact on the points will kill spark.

Check flywheel magnets. Loose or weakened and spark suffers.