'56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

[rgballard]

I have been working on my 30hp '56 Johnson. I have no spark, so I have begone to work on the ignition system. I have the fly wheel off, and I have can see the points, condensers, and other stuff. I sand the points and double checked the gap, but I still do not get any spark. I am going to start replacing items now. I am new to this so I don't know what I should start with, or what I really don't need to replace. Please help.

So far this is my list:
Plug Wires
Breaker Assembly
Condenser


Also how does the Armature Plate come off? I can't see how to take it off to get to the plug wires below? Or does it not come off?

Thanks.

 

[kbait]

Re: '56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

Two center coil screws (one each coil) are longer and secure the armature plate, along with 2 other slotted screws near the condenser. Those 4 are the only thing securing the plate to the ring underneath. You may have to disconnect kill switch wires, and there's a quick connect on each of those two wires. Inspect your coils for cracks, and be sure you get solid core wires, as auto type graphite core wires will fail with this type of magneto.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: '56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

These items can be tested, to pinpoint the faulty component, if you have a meter, do you?

If you would like to refresh the whole iginition system, that can be done also. You can get a tune up kit that includes the points, condensors. The plug wiring HAS to me metallic core, they sell it at the dealer for around $2 a foot here. 2 new boots with spring clips will be around $3 to $4 each. The coils are the most expensive item. Are they cracked or damaged? If they are, or original, they are almost certainly your issue, and will need to be replaced. Ebay usually has them farily cheap, the generic OMC coils are all you need, they are going for around $12 to $18 a piece right now.

When you filed the points, I hope you did not use sandpaper the grit gets stuck in the point gap, rendering them useless. A points file is what you need to file them evenly, then a cleaning with acetone or another solvent to ensure they are spotless. Even touching the point can make them fail. Although if they are pitted or damaged, they will need to be replaced, not filed.

Check out the FAQs or Top Secret Files for a thread regarding this.

BTW, the mag plate is held on by standard screws from the top. 2 of them are through the coils(longer), the other 2 (shorter) in the open by the condensor.

EDIT:Sorry typing at the same time, Im just slower.

 

[rgballard]

Re: '56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

Thanks, for the info guys. I had found the two longer screws through the coils, but hadn't found the other two. Sometimes manuals/parts diagrams don't make things exactly clear.

Also thanks for the info on the plug wires. I would have probably just bought car ones.

I do have a multimeter. When testing the coils what am I looking for? I would assume a voltage reading? I don't 100% understand what is going on with this part of the motor, but I assume the coils build a charge which is stored in the condenser and discharged to the spark plugs when the points connect (or are closed?).

 

[HighTrim]

Re: '56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

Instead of typing this out, Im going to be lazy and supply a link for you. Detailed description with pics for testing the coil and points with an analog multimeter. This is the method I use.

http://www.pochefamily.org/outboard/Coils.htm

 

[rgballard]

Re: '56 Johnson 30hp Electric Start (RDE18C) No Spark

HighTrim,

Thanks! Good info. I don't mind doing some reading.