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Johnson 1962 RK25D 40HP, no spark

V

Vanman

New member
Hi there,

I'm trying to rescue a Johnson 40HP engine (RK25D) but I'm having difficulty getting any kind of spark from it. I have replaced the hi tension leads which were rotted out, then replaced and set points and condensers as well as the coils.

I'm new to marine engines but have worked on small engines, motorcycles, and cars, and have never had this much of a problem with screws stripping out and parts not going back together well. I found a manual for it but it's hardly helping. Are these engines just junk?

The engine has compression and gets fuel so I'm sure it would run with spark. Is there any way to eliminate the magneto group on these engines and run the ignition off of the battery?

Thank you.
 
Yours may be JUNK.----But these are wonderful / simple / reliable engines.----Johnson / Evinrude built their reputation with them in the 1960's.----Of course today many folks consider them " junk " compared to modern computer controlled products.------That magneto is very good and reliable too.----Post a picture looking down on it.-----Are you sure the wires are going to the correct set of points ?----Any wires pinched?---Correct switch with M posts open when key is switched to " on "-----Magneto plate off to screw the new wires into the coils ?-------Perhaps google ----universal magneto -----to get lots of teaching on that magneto.
 
The OMC Universal Magneto was used on about a trainload of motors. I'd guess maybe more than any other magneto. Certainly not junk. You are doing something wrong. Start with the breaker points. They must be CLEAN. Even new ones must be cleaned. They often come with a non-conducting film on the contacts.
 
I'll check into all that and get back to it. I don't consider the engine junk, was just checking in case they have a reputation for being so. Thanks.
 
The RK25d is a 1963 electric shift. It has the magneto ignition if you apply battery voltage for a split second the coils are toast. Are you sure the coils are on the armature plate correct the air gap for the flywheel magnet is criticle.
 
Was not applying voltage to the coils, was just wondering if there was a way to convert to electronic ignition. No longer interested in doing that though. I took the flywheel off today to replace my retaining ring and followed this guide (http://www.outboard-boat-motor-repa... 5.5 HP 1954-1964 Ignition System Tune-up.htm) to set up my OMC magneto. Still no spark. I disconnected what I assume are the kill wires as well as the fuel and again, still no spark. I have replaced the spark plug wires, coils, and condensers. I cleaned the points off and set to 0.030 gap. I've also cleaned the flywheel magnets. I currently have the pull starter off, I don't believe this is affecting anything though. I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. If anyone has any idea, please let me know.

Thank you,

Cam
 
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Gap for the points is 0.020"-------Better yet use the method that uses timing marks on flywheel and magneto plate.-----I have been trolling with a 1963 model 10 hp with the same magneto installed.----Starts easy , runs like new , does not miss a beat, no hint of fouling the plugs either !!
 
They've been set back to 0.020", I tried that original but no luck and found some info that said factory was 0.030", probably wrong though.
 
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