1971 Johnson 20hp

[jasacrowe]

I just got 1971 Johnson 20hp with electric start I have not had a motor with electric start before. Do I need to have the wires hooked up pull start it. I have put new plugs in it and it dose not have spark. before I break in to the points and stuff like is explaned in the secret files ( thank you by the way they are very helpfull)
I was just wondering if it had a kill switch I do not know about

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

No, you don't need the battery hooked up to start the motor( although, it would be a good idea to wrap a little tape on the ends of the battery leads). If the motor has a key switch, that's the only kill switch on the motor.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

let us know if you have more questions.
I very much hope you enjoy your new toy once running they are great !

sean

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

Thank you
I will start pulling this this apart this weekend
one more question do you have to reset the timing when you change the points and stuff

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

When you install the new points, set the gap at .020. That's a "ballpark" setting but usually will be ok there. I might suggest that you get a Service Manual for your motor. You'll not regret it.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

+1 on the .020 point gap... that is what my manual says as well. but keep in mind my manual is one of those "non factory" manuals.

Sean

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

I got the fly wheel off!!!! that was fun
Every thing looks spot less under it I know it is not new but sure looks like it one of the points di not have any gap at all do you think this could be my problem
I called my dealer and a set of points are $25 the Coils are $28 should I just change them any way

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

put the flywheel nut on and turn the flywheel with a wrench clockwise. You should see the other set of points open.

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

If every thing looks good what do Start replacing

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

I don't really want to suggest that you go out and buy stuff, however, If you replaced the coils, condensers, and points, the ignition system will be all new then and last for years. It may be a 40 year old motor, but the money would not be wasted. The only other issue you might consider changing would be the plug wires.

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

Ok First of all sorry for being a novise at this but I am leaning alot
I got new parts I just need to know how to put the points in I read every thing on the secret file on it and unless I am missing something at what point do you gap them I put the nut back on the fly wheel post and can turn I see that the points move in and out. Were do I need to set it to gap it I just may be working above my pay grade!

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

One other thing you might check. I was having a problem a few years back much like yours and what I found was that the kill button wire insulation had corroded and was grounding out on the cowl. I replaced the wire and problem solved. I don't know if your motor is set up the same way, but it wouldn't hurt to check the wires for breaks or gaps in the insulation.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

If the coils are not cracked and the insulation is in good order, there is no need to replace them. I would go ahead and change out the points and condensors though. You could look over the points though and see what condition they're in. If they look good, then I wouldn't bother replacing them either.

 

[AlTn]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

if you'll type in.."setting the points"...<use the " " >..in the search box, upper right white blank space with magnifying glass next to it...I believe you'll find the procedure

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

Can some one tell me what torque to use to set the nut I have not gotten a manual yet it is a 1971 johnson 20hp
I got some spark!!! so I want to try it out!!

 

[jasacrowe]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

Sorry the nut on the fly wheel

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1971 Johnson 20hp

Flywheel nut torque 40-45 ft lbs.