synchronization question

[bigmoe]

1965 johnson 18 hp fd-19

How critical is it? Im following the procedure in my seloc manual and when I adjust it I cant line up the cam follower with the mark on the cam plate. I have used up the adjustment on the plate and the follower is a 1/4" short of reaching the mark. I have rebuilt everything on the engine (ignition, carb, thermostat, water pump, plugs j4c). It runs awesome except if Im trolling or idling for long periods of time (at least 5 minutes) the plugs start loading up and it starts coughing and dies. If I catch it in time I can throw it in neutral and clear it out. Could it be the timing? The only thing I havent done yet is check the compression. Other then that it runs good and strong. Thanks.

 

[Daviet]

Re: synchronization question

I switched from J4C to J6C to correct my idle problems. You might want to check your low speed needle adjustment to make sure it is not running on the rich side.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

I switched from J4C to J6C to correct my idle problems. You might want to check your low speed needle adjustment to make sure it is not running on the rich side.

I adjusted the low speed today, If I turn it in anymore the motor starts to kick back. The engine had j8c plugs in it when I bought it.

 

[Daviet]

Re: synchronization question

Good blue spark, will jump 1/4" gap with a snap?

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

anyone else have any ideas? does anyone know what the diameter of the cam follower should be? Maybe mine is worn out.

 

[lindy46]

Re: synchronization question

Got any pics? I don't see how the roller can be that far away from the plate. Is the spring there, which pulls the roller snug up against the plate?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: synchronization question

Is that roller worn? I replaced mine on my 18.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

Got any pics? I don't see how the roller can be that far away from the plate. Is the spring there, which pulls the roller snug up against the plate?

The roller is touching the plate, its just not reaching the sync mark as the throttle shaft starts to move (see pics). I also noticed when I twist the throttle to wide open I can manually move the linkage at the carb to open a little more. So its not getting full throttle, maybe this is normal. The boat does go pretty fast at wot.

Is that roller worn? I replaced mine on my 18.

See pics.

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

Is there slop in the gear going from the end of the twist grip to the timing plate?

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

Is there slop in the gear doing from the end of the twist grip to the timing plate?

Yes.

I checked compression yesterday and Im getting 90 psi at both cylinders. I did notice a little oil on the armature plate when changing the points. I probably could use a top seal too.

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

I have a 65 in my garage right now that had the same slop, I'm going to drill and tap a set screw in the slot where the gear is to eliminate the slop. At least you still have the cam roller, this guys motor has some adapter thing that is 3 x larger, looks like it came out of a foam lego set.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

I have a 65 in my garage right now that had the same slop, I'm going to drill and tap a set screw in the slot where the gear is to eliminate the slop. At least you still have the cam roller, this guys motor has some adapter thing that is 3 x larger, looks like it came out of a foam lego set.

Im really glad you mentioned the slop to me. I went to further examine it and look at what I found. The plastic key was broken.

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

Yup, the same as what's in my garage. When I looked at it last I noticed the slop, instead of putting in the correct part I was going to drill and put a small self tapping screw in.

I'm sure once I get the one I have fixed i'd run into the same issue, glad you found it.

This is the lego roller

Talk about lack o sync.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

Yup, the same as what's in my garage. When I looked at it last I noticed the slop, instead of putting in the correct part I was going to drill and put a small self tapping screw in.

I'm sure once I get the one I have fixed i'd run into the same issue, glad you found it.

This is the lego roller



Talk about lack o sync.

I think this will fix my wot issue, but I dont see how it will correct the sync issue. I will make a new part to replace the broken one today and try it tonight. I will keep you posted.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

I just had a thought, Can I bend the throttle linkage a little to get the marks to line up?

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

Not sure as the motor is not in front of me, maybe.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

Not sure as the motor is not in front of me, maybe.

Let me ask you this, do you think Im splitting hairs? Is it that critical? Would this even cause my idle issue? I havent checked spark at idle yet, and I havent changed the plug wires either.

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

Yes it is as far as i'm concerned. I'm working on this motor right after work, I will give it a once over and check the alignment and such. I'm doing the carb and the impeller, I will run it in the barrel after words and let you know what I have found.

 

[bigmoe]

Re: synchronization question

Well I made a part to correct the slop in the linkage and now I get wot. I still cant figure out why I cant sync it though. I just might have to bend the linkage.

 

[bktheking]

Re: synchronization question

Ok, so I just got back in. I put a carb kit and pump in the 65 and fixed the same issue you had with a roll pin. The thing started first pull and idled like a dream. I took notice at the timing marks and it was a little closer to the cam roller but not much, I'm talking an 1/8 of an inch. I saw no obvious way if getting it spot on, there was nothing to bend. I guess the question is, is the idle needle on your motor set to exactly what it should be for trolling? The other issue is the plug, I know the original called for J4J which is now J4C which is a cold plug. The champion site calls for J8C's which is too hot in my opinion, why don't you try running J6C's in it, it won't hurt anything and may elimate your fouling. I know Mercury motors from the 50's and 60's called for J6C's to eliminate fouling at trolling speeds and I've never heard of a motor being taken out by a slightly hotter plug.