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  1. #1
    Cadet
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    Jun 2010
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    Default Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

    My 68 Johnson 33hp OB has run great, Today I moved the boat from one side of the yard to the other, Now it won't run. I've done the usual troubleshooting. It seems that the 2 cutoff wires are shorted somehow. When I put the tester on them they have continuity with each other, and both to the block. I know they should not have continuity with each other unless the ignition switch is in the OFF position. I have taken all the wires off, as far as below the flywheel, so I know it's not an issue of crossed wires. My question is this:
    If the points went bad would it cause the wires to short to each other? (I've got the PB buster soaking and the big sockets out, but I'd like to avoid the epic battle of getting the flywheel off a 30+ y/o engine)
    Any other thought on what may have caused this? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Vice Admiral samo_ott's Avatar
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    Default Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

    If you've disconnected the wires back to the flywheel you have isolated the ignition circuit and that should solve the issue. There's not much else to do. The chances of both point systems failing at the same time is pretty slim. It must be something else. Moving it really shouldn't do anything.
    Steve.

  3. #3
    Vice Admiral 1946Zephyr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

    My only suggestion, is to bring the lake, to the part of the yard where the motor will run. Problem solved
    Vice Admiral Zephyr

    1941 Johnson HD-20 (in restoration)
    1947 Sea King 5hp
    1948 Evinrude Sportsman
    1949 Martin "40"
    1954 Evinrude Fleetwin
    1955 Evinrude Fleetwin
    1955 Johnson JW-11
    1955 Johnson CD-12 (3)
    1955 Johnson QD-16
    1957 Jhnson CD-14
    1957 Evinrude Big Twin
    1958 Evinrude Fisherman
    1958 Johnson FDE-12
    1958 Evinrude Lark
    1959 Johnson RDSL-21B
    1965 Evinrude Yactwin
    1974 Tanaka 1hp (screamin' drink mixer )

  4. #4
    Cadet
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    Jun 2010
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    Default Re: Spark Issue '68 Johnson 33hp

    Solved the problem, sheared flywheel key. It must have been just hanging on and when I moved it it failed. Thanks for the replies.

    Zephyr,
    I looked into your suggestion, turns out that in Florida you need a special permit to put a lake in your yard, who knew?

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