1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

rprs0

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May 19, 2011
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12
Hi all,

I new to this forums I got a 1960 40hp seahorse from craigslist for 80 bucks, I don't think I overpaid since the compression is good 120 across both cylinders, so I read the "waking a sleeping outboard" post i found very helpful, oiled the pistons through spark plug holes, easy to turn by hand, checking spark I only get spark from the top wire, so I guess its time take off the flywheel and inspect magneto right? also the shift seems a little off when its in neutral its in reverse I guess its linkage, any advice would be appreciated, I hoping to put this engine on an 1986 16 capri bayliner that I got, the force 85 thats on it has low compression on center cylinder and don't start. Which engine better I think the seahorse seems better quality, right
 

boobie

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Nov 5, 2009
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20,826
Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

If you can live with half the hp go for the 40 hp. Pull the flywheel and check out the mag.
 

lindy46

Captain
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Nov 27, 2008
Messages
3,886
Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Make sure the safety switch/cut-out switch is not grounding out. That would cause you to have no spark on the bottom cylinder.
 

rprs0

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May 19, 2011
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Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Thanks I'll check it this afternoon.
 

rprs0

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May 19, 2011
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Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Thanks for tips found one of the coils was fried.
IMAG0222.jpg
 

1946Zephyr

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Oct 21, 2008
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5,556
Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Very typical for the old OMC twins. A new set of coils and that motor will run out from under you :D:D
Very tough and reliable motors. You'll enjoy it.
 

smanb098

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Mar 6, 2011
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Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Thanks for tips found one of the coils was fried.
View attachment 207441

Hi there
I have the same motor. I popped the flywheel to check coils and condition and gap of the points. I was not observant enough to note the attachment locations of the spring which is attached to the carb linkage and ?????. I think that its some what related to the pull start safety lock mechanism which in your picture is laying toward the front of your motor.
any help or hint that you can lend is appreciated.

Thanks Seb
 

1946Zephyr

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Oct 21, 2008
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5,556
Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

Hijacking a thread is a no no. You may want to start your own thread. Welcome to iboats ;)
 

rprs0

Cadet
Joined
May 19, 2011
Messages
12
Re: 1960 johnson 40 seahorse spark only on the bottom cylinder.

IMAG0324.jpg Heres a picture of spring location if you still need it, look for the brass washer with a hole in it.
 
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