150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

I need some troubleshooting help as my shadetree degree didn't come with any sophisticated test equipment. I have just under 40 years experience in assembly at a GM Plant but we didn't work on any boats although the Chevy Surburban may have been the closest thing to a boat.... they call me Aug the Dawg or Augie and I am please to join up and meet anyone who will speak/type/or throw a stone my way ~

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

this Johnson 150 GL is a 90 or 91 model VRO but the oiler box was removed and it's now a mix as you add to tank model. I need some direction as I cannot afford to throw $300 avg. for each electrical componant that I see that may be the culprit. I am hoping to just remove the Flywheel and clean an optical sensor but I need some adult supervision....LOL

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

augiedawg7 said:

I need some troubleshooting help

Click to expand...

Assuming you've checked the spark with a tester using a gap setting of 7/16" in testing the spark, the spark should jump that gap with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP! No tester?.... You can use a medium size philips screwdriver tip, held into the spring plug connector within the rubber boot and hold it that approximate distance away from the block.

Does the spark on the other cylinders have that type spark?

What's the full model number of that engine?

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

just recieved a set of 3 spark testers off ebay and last night I confirmed no spark on the #5 .... swapped out a tester to be sure and then put them on the left bank and saw that the center plug was also not getting a spark... am on the way outside to find a model #

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

sparks were strong on the good cylinders of 1,2,3,& 6 and the Model # of this 150GL Johnson is J150STLESB
THIS Engine cranks well but has no top end speed like it should have. I have no idea how to single out the problem
I just know I can't afford to just start changing out items near 300 a piece til it clears up....LOL

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

An OEM Factory Service Manual would be a good investment for you.

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

There should be an ign test on the CDIElectronics web site, for that motor.

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

The model number of J150STLESB indicates that the engine is indeed a 1990 150hp Johnson.... BUT not relying on memory and going to the books... that engine does not incorporate an optical sensor setup but rather has the standard Magneto Capacitance Discharge system using magnets and timing sensors.

Check all the rubber electrical plugs... timing base to powerpack, powerpack to coils, etc.

The small pins and sockets within those plugs have a habit of creeping back (unplugging/plugging back in) resulting in poor or no connection conditions.

Also the wires connected to those pins/sockets have been known to break off BUT stay within the rubber connector simply due to the rubber grabbing the wire insulation. The result being that the wire appears to be connected when it is not.

To check a coil that's not firing, simply (temporarily) switch the orange wire leading to it from another coil that does fire. If the non firing coil now fires, then obviously the coil is okay.

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

I will try some coil testing and see if my ohmmeter readings fooled me... they seemed to be all so close I dropped that issue. If replacing 2 Coils would get me back to normal it would be fantastic. But If my 2 orange wires that should feed these two coils are failed then I need more on step 2 ...... LOL Thanx for any and all input

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

Unlikely two coils failed at the same time. Pick a coil that does fire..... temporarily run its primary orange wire to one of the non firing coils then the other non firing coil. If the coils fire, then obviously they are okay.

If the coils check out okay, the problem is elsewhere.

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

http://www.cdielectronics.com/downl...92 150-175 HP GT Cross-Flow (Quick-Start).pdf




And be sure your battery is good and fully charged, as slow speed cranking will drop spark.

Re: 150GL no spark #4 & 5 Cylinders

Just in case anyone is still following this issue of mine... I took it to a Marine Mechanic at PK Lake Texas and he used his meter to determine that it was my Timer Base ( CDI 133-3853 ) that was defective. I am still concerned with your note (Joe Reeves) about the wire to terminal break-down and ouch would I be wrong for not checking that out.... the cheepest Timer Base I found was $289 and I have way too much electrical 12V experience from my 40 years at GM to let that slide by.... I think I will look very close at the Timer Base Wire Continuity before I order a new part.... I could totally rewire with new water seal Connectors and wires with my Packard Experience......LOL thanx for the idea but pray I find $290 bucks or a donar of a good used Timer Base where other issues caused a stoppage....