'72 Johnson 6hp has low power in forward gear

[RsGood]

Hey everyone, I have this little 1972 johnson 6hp I got from my grandfather. Changed out the gear oil and cleaned up the carb. I had her running really nice for about a year then I lost spark to one cylinder. Changed out points and condensers with sierra kit and they didn't quite line up like the originals. Ran it anyways like that and noticed it didn't have the power like it used to. I have since replaced those points with factory johnson ones which appear much better quality. I have messed with the points setting on numerous occasions with no success in gaining power. Revs up all the way in neutral and reverse but with the load in the forward it just won't open up. Any ideas, questions or concerns are appreciated. Thanks - Ryan

Oh yeah Happy Easter!

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: '72 Johnson 6hp has low power in forward gear

Sounds like it is still running on 1 cylinder.
Check the spark with a proper spark tester.
You may be heading for new coil(s).

I have the 1975 version of that motor and have just ordered & received new coils from iBoats.

 

[steelespike]

Re: '72 Johnson 6hp has low power in forward gear

More than likely one coil has failed.Disconnect one plug wire at a time see if it runs.
Very common for these coils to fail with age.Any discoloration or cracks suspect coils.

 

[RsGood]

Re: '72 Johnson 6hp has low power in forward gear

Checked spark but all I have is a bulb type tester. It did seem to have a intermittent degrees of brightness when testing on the top cylinder. Coils still look new and I did test them awhile back when I first changed out points. I do have a new coil on hand so I'll give that a shot. Thanks