Ignition problems-what did I do???

[shadowfax72]

I recently purchased an 1966 johnson 20hp outboard motor and have been having issues with it running on idle. I rebuilt the carburetor which helped but didnt solve the problem. I then checked the iginition system and noticed that one plug only gave intermitant spark. I then pulled the flywheel and replaced the points and condenssers. I also set the gap to .020", and reinstalled and torqued down the flywheel nut. Now im not getting any spark at all. This was my first time doing this what could I have done?>>

 

[Sea18Horse]

Re: Ignition problems-what did I do???

When you set the points gap did you first rotate the crankshaft to the proper position for each set? The cam will have a spot on the top that will say eather "top" or "set" If it says "top" then you align the keyway with the rubbing block, if it says set then you align that area with the rubbing block for each set of points you're adjusting. In any case it is the spot where the points are open the widest. I actually prefer to set them through the inspection window with the flywheel installed.

when you had the flywheel off, what did the coils look like? And have the plug wires been replaced? If the coils have a natural epoxy color then they are probably original and so are junk. If they are some color of plastic, either pastel green, blue or dark red then they have been replaced and are probably ok. Unless you're sure about the age of the plug wires they should be replaced as well. they tend to fail at the spot where they're clamped to the underside of the mag plate. Good luck!

Cheers..................Todd