No spark!

KeithV

Cadet
Joined
Jun 30, 2007
Messages
8
I have a 1957 Johnson Golden Javelin - late last year it started running on only one cylinder (upper), I have since checked spark plug, plug wire, and replaced coil, condenser and points (properly gapped) and still no spark - what gives? Any hints, please!?
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: No spark!

Are you actually checking the spark itself or are you assuming that there is no spark simply because that bottom cylinder isn't firing?

(Continuity Of Magneto Coils)

Checking the continuity of the ignition coils....... Have the ohm meter set to High Ohms.

Remove the primary wire from points. Remove the coil ground wire. You do not want either of these wires touching anything.
Connect the black lead of a ohm meter to the spark plug boot terminal, then with the red ohm meter lead, touch the ground wire of the coil.

Then touch (still with the red lead) the primary wire. You should get a reading on both touches (contacts). If not, check the spring terminal inside the rubber boots of the spark plug wire.

If there is no continuity between the secondary circuit (spark plug) wire and the primary or ground, remove the coil from the armature plate, then check the continuity directly between the prong within the coil (prong that the plug wire connects to) and the primary and ground. Poor or no continuity of a coil (or plug wire) is one reason for weak spark, s/plug fouling, or no spark.

*************

(Magneto Coil Alignment)
(J. Reeves)

To align the coils properly, have the metal vertical portion of the coil yokes aligned with the inside edge of the bevel that exists on the top portion of the aluminum seat upon which the coils sit. This creates the proper distance between the coils and the flywheel magnets. Faulty alignment creats friction and the yokes of the coils heat up, turn blue and expand.

************

(Point Setting Of Magneto Models)
(J. Reeves)

Set the points as follows. Have the flywheel key aligned with the fiber rubber portion of the ignition points. Adjust the gap so that a .020 gauge will pass thru but a .022 will not. Should there be any question of the points being dirty (touching the contact with your finger would cause them to be dirty), clean them with a small brush and acetone or lacquer thinner.

Let us know what you find.
 

wiboatergile

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 19, 2007
Messages
39
Re: No spark!

Double check that the right coil is going to the right set of points!!!! Uh well I had no spark and had the wires run to wrong points... Extra time for being hasty lol.. But she runs great now!!
Mark
 
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