1968 85HP Johnson No Spark While Cranking

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dgw80

Recruit
Joined
Jul 15, 2004
Messages
2
I'm having problems starting my 1968 85 horse Johnson V4. I pulled a spark plug and grounded it to check for spark. There is no spark while the starter is cranking, but as soon as I let the ignition off the start position, there are a few nice fat blue sparks. While trying to start, there is nothing while cranking, but as soon as I let off the key, the engine pops a few times or backfires.<br /><br />Any clues? I am fairly experienced with car engines, but a newbie to outboards. Thanks.
 
S

stairliftoheaven

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 8, 2004
Messages
113
Re: 1968 85HP Johnson No Spark While Cranking

that sounds like a faulty key switch to me, u could try switching on and rope starting, otherwise if you have a circuit diagram and feel u can interpret it, u could try feeding a temporary live to the ignition system and try cranking again. good luck. keep posting
 
D

dgw80

Recruit
Joined
Jul 15, 2004
Messages
2
Re: 1968 85HP Johnson No Spark While Cranking

Yeah, a bad switch crossed my mind too. I tried turning the key on, and jumpering from the hot to the start terminal on the solenoid to crank the starter, but no luck.<br /><br />I finally gave up and towed it to the local outboard shop for troubleshooting. Only they can't get to it for two weeks, so I won't be on the river this weekend. Oh well.<br /><br />Thanks for the reply.
 
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