Re: Testing condenser/points on 63 Gale
Condensors are impossible to test without the proper equipment. An Ohm or flashlight test proves nothing. However, bad condensors on this vintage are exceedingly rare.
If the points are clean and not rusty, they will work.
There are practically only two failure modes for ignition coils - creative ignition wiring where 12v gets to the coils and cracks in the insulation letting water in and sparks out. Both are very visible to the naked eye - burnt out coils will have holes and burn marks in their insulation, and ones with cracks will have obvious cracks. A resistance check on an ignition coil is a worthless endeavour.
Start by disconnecting and isolating the two black wires that come down from the armature plate underneath the flywheel and see if spark returns. That will eliminate all kill switches, boat wiring, vacuum cutout switch, etc.
I personally prefer the aftermarket coil 18-5181 sold via Iboats, NAPA autoparts, etc (<$20). This is a little less expensive than an OEM coil and seems better quality. The spark plug wires sort of screw into them rather than simply push, so look out for that. The points & condensor kits they sell (~$15) are fine too.
Just tell them you have a '63 Evinrude 40hp. No important differences except the water pump, midsection parts and carburetor.
