Re: 1958 Johnson won't turn off
There is a wire connected to a terminal on the side of the magneto that should run up to the ign switch. With the ign. off, the mag is shorted to ground to kill the spark. You can demonsrate this feature by running the motor with the cover off, and, holding a screwdriver against the magneto case, touch the side terminal. It'll stop immediately. The terminal in question is approx a #6 screw with insulator, in the side where it connects the points wire to the inside wiring of the mag.<br /><br />You should have 2 terminals on the ign switch that serve this function, they will be labeled "M" (for Mag).<br /><br />The wire coming from the magneto is connected to either "M" contact. The wire connected to the other "M" contact should go to motor ground somewhere.<br /><br />You can 'buzz' the wires out with a test lite to see what the problem is. Maybe a loose or broken connection.<br /><br />Failing that, run a separate set of wires, connected on one end to the mag terminal, and engine ground, and the other ends connected to the ign switch or a separate switch.]<br /><br />If connected to a separate kill switch, when the switch is closed (i.e. switch has continuity), the ign is killed; when the switch is opened ign is enabled.<br /><br />BTW if your motor still has the old flat reed plate and 'banjo' reeds, a later-style reed plate/reeds, and cylinder heads off a later model 60 HP, will make it "somewhat" less fuel thirsty and give you a bit more power. <br /><br />You'll still need part ownership in an oil well if you run it wide open for a long time!!! lol.<br /><br />HTH........ed
