J150EXECD No spark w/ regulator connected

[pastorbud]

So I got a Johnson 150 2-stroke. (Serial J150EXECD). It doesn’t produce spark unless you disconnect the two wire connector (purple and gray wires) going into the rectifier/regulator. What’s the fix for that? I think I remember reading somewhere that that means the regulator has lost its ground.

 

[440roadrunner]

My first guess is the other way around. I would guess some problem in the charging system, maybe the regulator/ rectifier itself, is loading or grounding the output, which "sucks" power from the spark charging windings

 

[pastorbud]

My first guess is the other way around. I would guess some problem in the charging system, maybe the regulator/ rectifier itself, is loading or grounding the output, which "sucks" power from the spark charging windings

Could be. Here’s one with similar symptoms, but the guy disconnects the other connector. He says the fix was to replace the regulator.

Won’t be fun tryina get those mounting bolts out without breaking them!

 

[Chris1956]

The service manual for that motor does not mention that subject. I would put an ohmmeter on both wires of the VR and see if it is shorted to ground. Unplug the VR first. Both the grey and purple wires go to other components, and you want to prove the VR is the issue.

Try a hand impact driver on the VR mounting bolts.

 

[pastorbud]

The service manual for that motor does not mention that subject. I would put an ohmmeter on both wires of the VR and see if it is shorted to ground. Unplug the VR first. Both the grey and purple wires go to other components, and you want to prove the VR is the issue.

Try a hand impact driver on the VR mounting bolts.

Good idea. Will try tonight after work.

 

[oldboat1]

But...likely need a new water-cooled regulator/rectifier and gasket. Can have a serious heat issue -- sort of stuff State Farm might have to deal with after the fire is out.

 

[pastorbud]

But...likely need a new water-cooled regulator/rectifier and gasket. Can have a serious heat issue -- sort of stuff State Farm might have to deal with after the fire is out.

Yikes!

 

[pastorbud]

Well, the bolts came out with a hand impact wrench real easy. Almost too easy! But I do in fact have some continuity (ohm readings vary, but none were infinity) between the ground plate in the VR and all four wires: both yellows, the gray, and the purple. Guess this VR is toast.

 

[Chris1956]

Unfortunately I would recommend that you replace with an OEM part. I have had the aftermarket VRs rust out on me. Not sure why that happened.

 

[pastorbud]

Unfortunately I would recommend that you replace with an OEM part. I have had the aftermarket VRs rust out on me. Not sure why that happened.

Heh. I wish I’d asked! Just ordered a CDI version yesterday! We’ll see. 🫣

 

[Chris1956]

Well, good luck. Mine rusted on the "face" of it, that touches the cooling water. I expected it to be made of brass or SS. Not sure what it was made of.

Be careful not to scratch it. Maybe it is epoxy over steel.

 

[pastorbud]

Well I finally got time to install the new one and now I have it spark with everything connected. The old one was apparently not OEM. It has clear epoxy on top and it’s corroded which I understand now is to be expected.

The new one from CDI is epoxy over steel… or maybe powder coat?

Anyway it works! Thanks guys.

 

[McGR]

Old one looks OEM to me. OMC liked their transparent green potting compound.

 

[pastorbud]

Old one looks OEM to me. OMC liked their transparent green potting compound.

Huh… I didn’t know that. I’m used to everything being covered up with black epoxy.