1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

electric603

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 4, 2012
Messages
168
Hello All, I cannot get spark on either cylinder on my '59 35hp johnson. The primary side of both coils have continuity. The secondary sides have around 6500 ohms. Both condensors have about 300nf. I also cleaned the points. It all looks like it should work but still no spark. It has a pull start only no, electric start. Should I just get a whole new magneto set up? Thank you.
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: 1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

1. Are the coils cracked or do they look like they've been replaced?
2. Have you replaced the points and condensers? Points set to .020"?
3. Have you replaced the spark plug wires?
 

electric603

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 4, 2012
Messages
168
Re: 1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

I have not changed anything but everything looks good and I checked with ibm meter and capacitor tester. I did set the points gap.
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: 1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

If it were my motor, and the coils look and test ok, I'd replace the points, condensers, wires and plugs (about $30) and see what happens. There are not that many things that can cause a no-spark condition.

Another thought - does that motor have a kill circuit? Two wires attached to each set of points to ground them out? If the points are connected together via kill circuit wires, you won't get spark.
 

electric603

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 4, 2012
Messages
168
Re: 1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

I have disconnected the kill circuit wires. I think I am going to replace all components. Do you know of the best place to find these parts? Thank you for replying, the information is very helpful.
 

lindy46

Captain
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: 1959 johnson 35hp can't get spark

You can get many parts right here at IBoats.
 
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