Automotive style ignition?

mokanwarrior

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Joined
May 23, 2012
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25
I have completed this conversion and still have a starting issue. I have a nice blue spark at he the plug but the engine still wont start. It almost acts like timing but I'm not sure. I poured a little gas directly into the cylinders and it still would not fire. Any deas? Thanks in advance. BTW its a 71 Johnson 60hp.
 

rockyrude

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 10, 2007
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1,120
Re: Automotive style ignition?

What is the conversion you have done? Without knowing this , there is no way to speculate. For safety reasons, automotive parts do not belong anywhere near a boat.
 

mokanwarrior

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May 23, 2012
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25
Re: Automotive style ignition?

What is the conversion you have done? Without knowing this , there is no way to speculate. For safety reasons, automotive parts do not belong anywhere near a boat.[/QU

What I have done is eliminate power pack/amplifiier with a common coil/condesor. I attached that directly to points pick up and I have a nice blue spark at the spark plug but still doesnt like to start. I do understand your concern regarding automotive parts, however this boat is used on a very small fresh water lake near my home and is never operated by anyone but myself.
 

boobie

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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: Automotive style ignition?

Will the spark jump a 1/4 " open air gap on a spark tester ?? I have also heard of this being done and it worked.
 

mokanwarrior

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May 23, 2012
Messages
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Re: Automotive style ignition?

Yes it will. After attempting some further diagnosing last night I determined that the starter will need to be rebuilt/replaced before I can continue. It just seems to drag too much even with a new battery. So once that completed I will report back. Thanks again for your replies.
 

mokanwarrior

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May 23, 2012
Messages
25
Re: Automotive style ignition?

Ok new starter is working great but still wont start. I even gone as far as using starting fluid and still no start. Like I said earlier I do have spark but maybe its too weak? Possibly a timing issue? I'm very close to the point of taking it to a profesional but I'm afraid as soon as they see the conversion they will instantly tell me to fly a kite! Thanks again all.
 

boobie

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Nov 5, 2009
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Re: Automotive style ignition?

A dumb question. What have you got the points set at ? Are the plug wires going to the correct cyl's ?
 

mokanwarrior

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May 23, 2012
Messages
25
Re: Automotive style ignition?

No such thing as a dumb question. Points are set at factory spec and plug wires are correct.
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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27,033
Re: Automotive style ignition?

Did you verify timing is correct? If not set the motor to TDC using a screwdriver thru the top spark plug hole. Now observe timing marks. They should be very near matching at TDC. If so, put timing light on top cylinder and crank motor. See if spark occurs a bit before TDC. Since the motor won't pop, I suspect timing is way off. Maybe flywheel key is sheared?
 

orbanp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
324
Re: Automotive style ignition?

You need compression, fuel, and ignition for an engine to run.
Have you checked the compression?
Instead of starting fuel, just squirt mixture into the throats of the carburetors (it also has oil int).
And is the spark at the right time as others asked before? You also might want to clean the spark plugs.

Peter
 

mokanwarrior

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Joined
May 23, 2012
Messages
25
Re: Automotive style ignition?

Plugs are new and the timing shouldn't have changed. I put all the stock parts back on it and sending it to a pro. Thanks anyway.
 
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