Logo
FULL SITE MENU

1999 Johnson 60 hp firing problem

D

DavLed

New member
I just got this motor it hasn't been run in awhile. Was only firing on middle cylinder changed all three coils got fire to my top and middle cylinder bottom still not firing could it be the powerpack.
 
DavLed said:
I just got this motor it hasn't been run in awhile. Was only firing on middle cylinder changed all three coils got fire to my top and middle cylinder bottom still not firing could it be the powerpack.
Click to expand...

You say "only got fire to my top and middle cylinder" which is somewhat misleading. We don't know if you mean that you've actually got "spark" or if the engine is running but only on two cylinders.

The proper procedure is to have all spark plugs removed and check the spark by having it jump a 7/16" air gap. The spark should jump that air gap with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP! This 7/16" air gap is important! Spark testers (air gap type) can be purchased at most automotive type stores... or you can build the one listed below.

NOTE-1: The engine must be cranking over at least 300 rpm in order for the stator under the flywheel to energize the powerpack. A slow cranking engine will produce weak, erratic, or no spark.

First thing to do is to do the proper spark test, then, still with all spark plugs removed, check the compression psi on "all" cylinders. Let us know in detail what you find...... psi on all individual cylinders etc.

********************
(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)

You can use a medium size philips screwdriver (#2 I believe) inserted into the spark plug boot spring connector, then hold the screwdriver shank approximately 7/16" away from the block to check the spark or build the following:

A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.

Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:

..........X1..........X2

.................X..(grd)

..........X3..........X4

This can obviously be modified to a 6 or 8 cylinder setup tester.

********************
NOTE-2 If you have proper spark (as above) and "even" compression of around 100 psi on all cylinders, the problem would not be ignition but rather clogged, fouled carburetors due to sitting.
 
Last edited:
Wasted $$ on coils as they rarely fail...….need to troubleshoot ignition system especially the timer base as motor has Quikstart feature
 
First thank you for your help. The engine is not running but turning over at 300 rpms. Will try what you suggested and let you know.
 
Back
Top