1957 evinrude 18hp

[bcjjones]

Recently bought a 1957 evinrude 18hp for 40 bucks. Just converted it to a fuel pump. The whole time thinking I had spark, because I stuck a screwdriver in both spark plug wires and both would shock me if I pull started it. But when the engine woouldnt start, or even sound like its firing, after I got the fuel going I looked into the spark again. Even though both spark plugs shock me, when plugged into a spark plug it will only spark ever once in a while. And yea I did ground the plugs to the engine using wire wrapped around the plug to under a screw on the engine block. When it does spark it has a strong blue colored spark, which I was told is a sign of a good ignition system, but can't get it to sparl consistantly. Can anyone help me please???

[1946Zephyr]

remove the inspection plate from the top of the flywheel and inspect your ignition system. Your points need to be perfectly clean and gapped at .020. Your coils need to be checked for cracks. If they're cracked, then they'll need to be replaced.

[F_R]

Jones, you have more guts than I do. You would never find me deliberatly grabbing hold of a spark plug wire. I HATE being shocked. Besides, sticking your finger in a light bulb socket will shock the snot out of you, but it won't run an engine. Use a spark checking method where the spark has to jump a 1/4" gap. That requires several thousand volts.