1961 johnson 40hp outboard no spark bottom plug - help?

Question

1961 johnson 40 hp outboard cranks, but wont turn over. Its getting fuel, however when i put test light up to the top sparkplug wire, it lights when cranking motor. When i do the same to bottom plug wire, i am getting nothing from the timing light. I have placed 2 brand new sparkplugs in the cylinder head, i just aint getting electricity from the bottom sparkplug wire. I am guessing either the points, coil or maybe plug wire is bad. I dont want to remove the flywheel, but it looks like i may need to. The points and coil are under the flywheel. Other than points, coil and plugwire, is there anything else to check???? The top plug wire is getting juice (power), its just the bottom plugwire not getting power. What other things should i check prior to replacing points amd coil?????

Answer 1

This is a simple single coil magneto ignition, 1 coil fires both cylinders. Do this test- remove the bottom plug wire from the coil and install an inline spark tester set at 7/16", and test for spark. If you now have spark, you have a defective plug wire. If the points, condenser, or magneto coil where faulty, you would have no spark on either cylinder.



A couple of BTWs:



BTW#1- All ignition parts for this oldie are still available from Sierra Marine.

BTW#2- Use a proper flywheel puller. A pry-bar and a hammer are about the quickest way to warp a flywheel or bend a crankshaft that i know of.

Answer 2

You are correct it is either the spark plug wire or coil that is the problem. Have to take the flywheel off. Just take a long heavy screw driver pry up on the side of the flywheel that where the key is and tap the other side with a medium size hammer comes right off.good luck

Answer 3

Put a small amount of gas in underneath probably the most spark plugs, then try firing again. I understand it sounds slightly ordinary but i've achieved it to an older motor of mine that wasn't working and the engine fired correct up.