Reply To: Back To The No Spark Issue

[John Gragg]

First, I want to thank everyone who chimed in to assist me with troubleshooting my ‘no spark’ issue. Thank You!

Second, I fully realize I am not yet at the finish line with this. I have already ordered a spark ‘gap jump’ tester (not sure what the proper name is) to further test my success.

Where was the issue? I’m 99% sure it was in the points to begin with (and 1 bad coil, but that would not kill both cylinders). Then, as I have already divulged, I completely lost my mind and relied on my muscle-car experiences regarding ignitions. I failed to test for spark with sufficient RPMs (I was just turning over the motor with a socket and a ratchet), and was simply looking at the points hoping to see the spark. Full disclosure, I was not smart enough to figure that out on my own. Another member gave the reminder!

The build included 1 used coil and cleaned/polished points. ALl screws, bolts, nuts, washers, etc were also cleaned. All electronic connections were checked for continuity where required (e.g., even the wire between the condenser and the condenser end connector). All connectors were cleaned and, in some cases, lightly sanded to remove oxidation and dirt/grease.

New plug wires were soldered to the coils and measured to 1 1/2″ longer than the originals. New boots were installed and both ends metered for continuity. (I left the wires long as my boots came in blue. Going to reorder after I find some black ones.)

At the suggestion of one of the members I purchased some brass shim stock to gap the coils. This is by far the hardest job in the whole scenario. The whole job took about 3 1/2 hours and gapping the coils was probably an hour of that!

Turned off the lights, closed the garage door and installed my inline spark checker. Both cylinders are firing and do not appear to be missing at all.  I am pretty much a happy camper right now.

I need to put the carburetor back together, install it and hang the tank. I hope to test for a running motor some time next week.

Once that is done, I will evaluate how far I go with this one. I’m picking up a Johnson TD20 on Saturday that looks really promising, so I need room in my brain to think about that 🤔.

Again, I am very appreciative of all the assistance. This has been a fun and exciting challenge.

Thank you all,

Best Regards,

John Gragg
RIverside, CA

Just starting in the hobby, please be patient.

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55 Johnson CD12. Sold
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