Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

[burnie]

First off, this is a great site. I have used it from time to time with great results. I have searched before hand to see if my problem has been posted. It has not quite been asked, so here is my question; I have a 1970, Johnson 85 hp 4 cylinder. The motor was running last year when it died on me. It died several times while running. It would reluctantly start off and on. I took it home, where it would start, then die right away. It eventually quite starting all together. I tested spark on all the plugs. I would get sporadic spark on random plugs. No real rhyme or reason for it, but not good enough to get the motor running. I tested the amplifier with the light bulb trick, It is ok. I went ahead and replaced the coil, in fear of blowing the amp. Still no real spark. Now, the only spark I get is on plug 2 and it is only one spark upon first crank of the motor. No other plug has any spark at all. Any suggestions on the next step.

Thanks in advance.
David

 

[burnie]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

I forgot to mention, Ill be pulling the flywheel this afternoon to check for crud under the distributor cap.

 

[burnie]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

ttt

 

[burnie]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

ttt

 

[burnie]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

Nothing??

 

[burnie]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

Found the problem and will post what I found so that it might help someone in the future. Once I found my fly wheel puller, I pulled the fly wheel and started inspecting everything. I found two problems. First was the wire comeing from the amplifier to the points. I had wore away by the clamp. I replaced the wire, checked the points and cleaned them up.

Second problem; The distributer had a small crack on the inside. It had show some burn marks comeing from the crack. I could bearly see it. I replaced the distributer (thank goodness I had one lying around), put her all back together and she is working like a champ.

 

[RichardNaugle]

Re: Johnson 1970, 85 hp with spark on 2 at start, but no more spark.

Hi burnie thanks for the info. I am currently having the same problem with mine and I'm going out to pull the flywheel now ..thanks.