1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

It turns out that both plugs had been repaired before with inserts, I just noticed. I will definitely need a new head now if I want to get this thing running reliably. As a temporary if until that happens, I neatly coated the threads of the insert and head in some jb weld epoxy and am letting it cure for a couple days, just to see if I can get this engine running. I've notice air leaking out of the top plug now too, so I may try and seal that up for the hell of it as we'll. I know it's really not a sound repair, and I'm kindof embarrassed frankly, I prefer doing things the right way, I'm just getting impatient. Has anyone else attempted this?

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

One step forward and two steps back, now I am getting no spark from either plug...

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Something strange is going on. I took the flywheel off to see if the problem lay underneath, and found a loose ground wire. tightened it, put the flywheel back on, and it worked, both plugs were sparking again. I put the motor back in the bucket, and tested the plugs agan after reassembling the rest of the housing, and they worked, both of them. I put them in the engine and gave her a crank, and it sounded like it was just about to start, and then it didnt. I checked the plugs again and there was no more spark.

Any ideas?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Hi brendan. Does that motor have a kill switch? If so it may be engaged, preventing the spark. There should be two small black wires coming out from beneath the flywheel connected to a button on the front face of the motor.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

It may have at one point, but no longer. I found two black wires other than to the plugs, and they go into a sleeve of many wires. I believe they end up at the key, but I checked that, and I think it is engaged.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

I found two black wires, one leads to the side, looks like some sort of pump? the other leads to the keyswitch...

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Hello again Brendan. Glad you found the two black wires. One lead should go directly to the kill switch, while the other lead should first go the the "pump" you described which is actually the vacuum cut-off switch and is used to prevent a runaway motor, then on to the kill switch itself. I would strongly recommend you replace the wires along with the stock black, kill switch with a red, lanyard push-button style switch like in the picture below. You can get them on amazon for about $10. I've installed them on all my vintage motors. You can mount them on the stock location on the motor, or at the helm, if you have one. They add an extra layer of safety and security while on the water. Best $10 you can spend on your motor.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

it looks like there is no kill switch, and the wires are poorly cut, crimped and sealed. Could this be the problem? Also, do I have to worry about aligning the coils?

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Could anyone help me out with a wiring diagram?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

The coil heels (laminations edge) need to be flush with the upper edge of the bevel on the mounting boss. If you run your fingernail up the boss, and it catches on the laminations, it is out too far. Too far in though will limit spark. Should be just right.

You will not have a kill button. The key switch is what kills the motor. The 2 black leads go to the M posts of the keyswitch.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Ok, thanks for all the help so far.

OMC Johnson Evinrude Outboard Cylinder Head 1960 '61 40HP Used | eBay

Will this fit my 1960 Lark 2? All ive been able to find so far.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Send the seller a message and verify part number. Sometimes they have no idea what they are talking about, lol

50 bucks is a lot for an unknown head in my opinion. I would post a webvertize at aomci.org. A local member should be able to help you out. If not, PM me.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Finally progress. Found a guy 10 minutes from my house who had the part. So I now have the new cylinder head, what steps should I take when putting one on? Is a torque wrench necessary?

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Finally progress. Found a guy 10 minutes from my house who had the part. So I now have the new cylinder head, what steps should I take when putting one on? Is a torque wrench necessary?

A torque wrench is crucial!! as well as proper torque procedure and sequence. ( half value first time, then full on the next pass ) also check the head to make sure its flat.....most arent.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Alright. Getting one today. Also, is there anywhere I can get a manual?

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Found some damage in the lower piston. But besides the stripped threads, it looks alot better than I expected. My replacement head is dirtier, should I clean it?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Hi brendan. I would go ahead and clean the new head with some deep creep/seafoam, or similar product and a soft brush. Sparying some in and around the pistons will help clean up some of the carbon deposits and free up the rings a bit.

 

[brendan.ryan]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

First of all, thank you all for the help thus far.

At this point, this is where the engine stands...

I went through the magneto again, setting gaps and securing connections. Replaced the flywheel and pull-cord housing. Held one of the plugs to the block and gave her a yank. No spark, but could've sworn I felt it shock my hand. So I turned off the lights, and sure enough, I was getting a spark, in both plugs, just not very strong. What should I do at this point? Spark plug wires? Points?

And regarding the cylinder head; I'm going to order a new head gasket, I don't think I can reuse the one I have, so the cylinder head will have to wait.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

Hello again brendan. Resting the plugs on the block isn't a very good way to test for spark. It's best to get a little $2 gap tester from the auto store. They just plug right into the end of the stock spark plug lead. Once connected, the spark should be able to jump a 1/4" gap with a bright blue snapping spark. Be sure your points are set at .020" and you're using Champion J6C spark plugs. It's also best if you can use the electric starter to spin the flywheel while testing for spark, or you'll have to use the pull start.

 

[Woodstock60]

Re: 1960 Evinrude Lark 2 wont stay running

clean points good and regap