Testing Power pack for 1972 50 HP Johnson

[SeaCat-Sailor]

I have a 50 Johnson that ran perfectly last year when I stored it. This year, I tried to start it and get no spark on either cylinder. I pulled the cover off the power pack and the 'bakelite' is cracked. Is there a way that I can test the power pack to determine if it needs replaced? What reading could I take to verify that the ignition switch is working correctly? I appreciate any help you can provide.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />SeaCat

 

[mrbarth]

Re: Testing Power pack for 1972 50 HP Johnson

Hy Seacat<br /><br />If you try a search thru the board as I usually do,<br />you will find a wealth of information concerning powerpack testing as well as ingnitions switch checking.<br /><br />Just give it a try, you will be amazed.<br /><br />And the experts here will probably recommend to gat a manual (you can by them here at iboats)<br /><br />good luck

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Testing Power pack for 1972 50 HP Johnson

Remove the black/yellow wire from the powerpack, then retest for spark. If you now have spark, in all probability the ignition switch is shorted.<br /><br />If still no spark after eremoving that wire, especially after hearing that the bakelite is cracked, I'd suspect that the powerpack is faulty.<br /><br />The pack list for about $115.00. If you have a problem finding one, I have a few left in my remaining stock which I would discount.

 

[fireman57]

Re: Testing Power pack for 1972 50 HP Johnson

Seacat I would grab a couple of powerpacks just to have them when you need them. They are an easy change even on the water if you are careful. If they are cracked now they will probably be a problem soon. You said yo had no spark. Is that no spark on one cylinder or all of them? If it is all of them then it probably isn't the powerpack.

 

[SeaCat-Sailor]

Re: Testing Power pack for 1972 50 HP Johnson

Thanks for the advice. We pulled the yellow and black wire from the power pack and still had no spark to either cylinder. We've checked the forum and found some information, but will check further. <br /><br />Is the yellow and black wire the only 'kill switch' that would go to the power pack? Or is there another kill switch through the shifting function?