don't mean to hijack this video but if you will: I have a 1978 15hp Johnson. She was running beautifully on the lake the other day while me and my grandson were fishing and suddenly she conked out. I have no spark to either plug. Fuel is fine plugs are fine. Thought it was odd that they both went out exactly at the exact same time? Any clue would be helpful. I see that both coil wire harnesses come out from under flywheel to a single "chingadera ??" attached to the block. Since spark to both of my cylinders came to a tragic death at the same time, could it be this part that I am not familiar with. I have a feeling when you tell me what this part is I'm going to feel like an idiot. But I don't care we just want to get back on the water. :-):-)
Your motor has a driver coil/stator under the flywheel as well as two external coils that are located to the rear of the motor near the cylinder head. Your motor has solid state ignition system which was introduced starting in 1977. The solid state ignition (power packs) replaced the points and condenser setup. Yes, the power pack can give out all of a sudden on both cylinders. Usually, one cylinder will be affected and you can limp in one cylinder. It has happened to me. Chances are that power pack is the original and has given 39years of service.....that is good. So, replacing it is in order. They are very reliable and give excellent running and easier starting than the point and condenser setup. Other what ifs are: - Your kill switch maybe shorting (exposed wire or contacts in button are broken) causing a no spark situation - Driver coil is bad under the flywheel You can disconnect both of the kill switch wires at the connectors. Try testing for spark after you have done this. This will rule out a shorting out kill switch. IF the kill switch is shorted out then spark should return. Then you would have replace the kill switch or repair it. Here is link from James at Highlandoutboards that shows you how to evaluate and repair the kill switch. czcams.com/video/nga7zTMM1dI/video.html The simple way to test the driver coil under the flywheel is to remove the flywheel and use analog or digital meter and test for continuity of the primary and secondary windings of the driver coil/stator. www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1978&hp=15&model=15R78B&manufacturer=Johnson§ion=Magneto Suggestions: 1st try checking your kill switch for shorting/grounding. Easiest and cheapest. 2nd replace the power pack 3rd. Evaluate your stator/driver coil. The reason I suggested this last, is that it is unlikely this is your problem area and is a lot more involved.
cajuncookone thank you so much for the reply and direction. I am on it this morning. so far I have ruled out any faulty connections everything seems to be clean and snug. I've just tested and ruled out the kill switch and we'll move forward from there. Thanks again for all of the input. Love your CZcams site and just subscribed. I have been running this Old Johnson on routine maintenance for 30 years. Water pump impellers, seals, occasional carburetor cleaning and a few fuel pumps. she's like part of the family :-)
Good video I just picked up the same motor!
That's a nice and quiet motor you have there! I'm sure you'll have it figured out in no time!
don't mean to hijack this video but if you will:
I have a 1978 15hp Johnson. She was running beautifully on the lake the other day while me and my grandson were fishing and suddenly she conked out. I have no spark to either plug. Fuel is fine plugs are fine. Thought it was odd that they both went out exactly at the exact same time? Any clue would be helpful. I see that both coil wire harnesses come out from under flywheel to a single "chingadera ??" attached to the block. Since spark to both of my cylinders came to a tragic death at the same time, could it be this part that I am not familiar with. I have a feeling when you tell me what this part is I'm going to feel like an idiot. But I don't care we just want to get back on the water. :-):-)
well it appears it's CDI and the "power packs" are notorious for suddenly going out??
Your motor has a driver coil/stator under the flywheel as well as two external coils that are located to the rear of the motor near the cylinder head. Your motor has solid state ignition system which was introduced starting in 1977. The solid state ignition (power packs) replaced the points and condenser setup. Yes, the power pack can give out all of a sudden on both cylinders. Usually, one cylinder will be affected and you can limp in one cylinder. It has happened to me.
Chances are that power pack is the original and has given 39years of service.....that is good. So, replacing it is in order. They are very reliable and give excellent running and easier starting than the point and condenser setup.
Other what ifs are:
- Your kill switch maybe shorting (exposed wire or contacts in button are broken) causing a no spark situation
- Driver coil is bad under the flywheel
You can disconnect both of the kill switch wires at the connectors. Try testing for spark after you have done this. This will rule out a shorting out kill switch. IF the kill switch is shorted out then spark should return. Then you would have replace the kill switch or repair it.
Here is link from James at Highlandoutboards that shows you how to evaluate and repair the kill switch.
czcams.com/video/nga7zTMM1dI/video.html
The simple way to test the driver coil under the flywheel is to remove the flywheel and use analog or digital meter and test for continuity of the primary and secondary windings of the driver coil/stator.
www.marineengine.com/parts/johnson-evinrude-parts.php?year=1978&hp=15&model=15R78B&manufacturer=Johnson§ion=Magneto
Suggestions:
1st try checking your kill switch for shorting/grounding. Easiest and cheapest.
2nd replace the power pack
3rd. Evaluate your stator/driver coil. The reason I suggested this last, is that it is unlikely this is your problem area and is a lot more involved.
cajuncookone thank you so much for the reply and direction. I am on it this morning. so far I have ruled out any faulty connections everything seems to be clean and snug. I've just tested and ruled out the kill switch and we'll move forward from there. Thanks again for all of the input. Love your CZcams site and just subscribed.
I have been running this Old Johnson on routine maintenance for 30 years. Water pump impellers, seals, occasional carburetor cleaning and a few fuel pumps. she's like part of the family :-)
12 nice bass and an 8lb trout. Motor ran beautifully all day :-) $87 for the power pact.
Thanks again :-):-)
Glad things worked out for ya buddy :)