1958 Johnson repair help

I am not getting spark to either cylinder. What do I need to look for?

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

Howdy, Wes.

Welcome to iboats.

That engine uses a double magneto. The only things the mags share are the points cam and the flywheel, and maybe a kill circuit (depends on model).

Pull the flywheel and inspect the points and the condensers. Check each set of points to ensure that they are not grounded when the points are open.

Without history on the engine or the problem it is very hard to say more.

The coils on those engines are notorious for not lasting much more than 50 years, but they usually don't both croak at the same time.

Tell us more about the engine's history and when you first noticed the problem.

It would be nice if we knew the model number, too.

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

JB's right on the money. You need to check the magneto. Could be old, cratered coils or something as simple as dirty points. Most coils that old are cracked and coming apart, you'll know when you look under the flywheel. You can pull the flywheel with a harmonic balancer puller and hardened bolts. Last time I replaced everything under the flywheel on a motor like yours it cost me less than $75...coils/points/condensors/plug wire/plugs. Good luck. Those are great motors...very simple to maintain and very reliable.

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

RJE-19c is the model number. I do not know the history on the motor. I bought it not working and I am tring to get it running. The most I know is it sat for a few year ( not sure how many). I took the carborator and fuel pump off and clean both very well. The motor has very good compresson it just will not fire.

Thanks guys,

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

If it has gas, spark and compression, it has to run. As above, pull the flywheel and visually inspect the innards. A general rule is "If it looks bad, it probably is." Points should be un-pitted, coils should be un-cracked. Check spark at the plugs while pulling the motor over. with the flywheel in place. If you have no spark, the culprit is somewhere under the flywheel.

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

Go to the Engine FAQs, Wes. Do "Awakening a sleeping outboard", then do "Outboard won't start". Let us know what you find.

Re: 1958 Johnson repair help

Thanks, I will check those things out.