1990 120 VrO no spark

C

cooldog4

Cadet
Joined
Apr 21, 2009
Messages
6
I have a 1990 Johnson 120 V4 VRO looper engine that has no spark anywhere. The problem comes and goes. One day the engine will run like a champ with no issues, then the next day can try all day with no spark. I have fired the motor up in the yard and warm it up, go to the boat ramp takes about an hour and it won't spark, drive back home and try it again it fires up. I have replaced the power pack, stator, timer base, and regulator, all new parts. And I still have the same problem. Can anyone figure this out or recommend someone in eastern NC that can?
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1990 120 VrO no spark

look for a bare spot or bad connection in the Black/yellow wire. that is the spark kill wire.
 
J

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,174
Re: 1990 120 VrO no spark

If you don't already have it, get the factory manual
www.outboardbooks.com

when its non sparking, remove the airbox cover.
Unplug the big red harness plug and jump start it at the solenoid.
If it does start you can stop it by blocking the carb throats and flooding it out.

If it runs the problem is in the harness or controller.
If it still doesn't fire the problem is on the engine somewhere.
The manual has some simple troubleshooting tests to trace it .
 
The_Kid

The_Kid

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 18, 2008
Messages
447
Re: 1990 120 VrO no spark

Check the connector for the main electrical harness. My 1990 88spl was giving me the same problem. Most of the pins in the connector had some corrosion on them. Cleaned them up and used some dielectric grease and everything is working OK now.
 
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