57 Johnson RDE 19 running on 1 cyl

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  • lakeboater


    Replies: 6
    Topics: 1
    #2861


    Hello, I am trying to diagnose a driveability issue with my motor. I installed a new voltage regulator due to my starter was not engaging. I used a new old stock automotive one that looked just like the original ( the photo is the original) I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the problem but thought it was worth noting. The engine ran perfectly for 3 days then began to skip as if it were running on 1 cylinder. I pulled the plugs, the top one was a bit blackish, but the bottom on was clean and the electrode was white. I was thinking "water entering the cylinder" but I did not see water on the plugs. the wire to the white plug had a wear mark on it but did not seem too deep to break the contact, I taped it up and ran a plug tester on it (bulb style) it did light. I changed the plugs and ran the boat, no change and the brand new plugs came out looking the same (top black, bottom white) after a short run. I pulled the boat for the season and now ready to get into it. I’m looking for opinions on whether a coil was burnt from the regulator? or maybe a head gasket? or something else?

    Thanks!!


    frankr

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 6715
    Topics: 51
    #26137

    OK, lets start with the voltage regulator. That is not a voltage regulator in your picture, it is a starter solenoid. The fact that you installed a car solenoid is a whole ‘nother issue. You probably burned up the safety switch by using a car solenoid, but if you got it to work, let’s let it go at that. If you burned up the safety switch—well you won’t have that safety feature any more. Besides, it may have been burned up before you messed with it.

    Forget all that for now, because it has nothing to do with your one-cylinder problem. There are two things you need to do first: A compression test, and a "real" spark test. Those neon bulb testers are worth next to nothing. You need to rig up a spark gap tester, whether it be a commercial unit or simply a phillips screwdriver stuck in the plug boot and held near a head bolt. The goal is to see if it will produce a spark capable of jumping a 1/4" gap. If it won’t, the next thing is to pull the flywheel to see why not. Experience says if the coils have not been replaced, they need to be. ALL 1957 Johnsons have bad (cracked) coils unless they have already been replaced. Of course, it may be something simpler & cheaper, such as dirty or worn out breaker points. Inspection and troubleshooting are in order.

    BTW, when you put that flywheel back on, you MUST have the tapers clean and dry and you MUST use a torque wrench to tighten the nut to 60-65 Ft Lbs. Failure to do so may lead to extreme damage to crankshaft and flywheel.


    fleetwin

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 4737
    Topics: 46
    #26141

    I am "assuming" that this 57 35hp has no key switch, just the two rubber buttons for choke and starter, correct? Improper key switch wiring could damage the coils, but your engine does NOT have a key switch so this is not an issue.


    lakeboater


    Replies: 6
    Topics: 1
    #26142

    Yes it does have a key switch however, I have run it 3 seasons with no problem. Whatever happened, happened suddenly, ran perfectly all weekend the next morning the condition started at first start. The coils were replaced just before I bought it about 4 years ago. the boat gets moderate use, around 30 gallons of fuel a season.


    frankr

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 6715
    Topics: 51
    #26144

    Back to what I said, check compression and spark. We’ll let the coils off the hook, so now the prime suspect is breaker points.


    fleetwin

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 4737
    Topics: 46
    #26164

    Does the key switch actually shut the engine off when turned to "off"? If so, using the stop lead terminals for accessory grounds can lead to melting the coil(s) by running 12volt circuits through their primary circuits.
    Like you said, not likely that you did this while changing the solenoid, but mentioning it "just in case".


    lakeboater


    Replies: 6
    Topics: 1
    #26281

    the key has some effect on the motor when shut off but dosnt kill it. I use a choke to shut it down. I am planning to run spark and compression checks tomorrow. I will post the results. Thanks for all the tips so far!


    fleetwin

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 4737
    Topics: 46
    #26285
    quote lakeboater:

    the key has some effect on the motor when shut off but dosnt kill it. I use a choke to shut it down. I am planning to run spark and compression checks tomorrow. I will post the results. Thanks for all the tips so far!

    OK, so the harness probably does NOT having wiring to shut the engine off then.


    beerman57


    Replies: 596
    Topics: 126
    #26288

    The mercury switch or cut out switch gone bad?


    lakeboater


    Replies: 6
    Topics: 1
    #26320

    no mercury switch on the 57, I think the last year was 56 or it was removed long before me.
    So, I just ran compression and spark tests top has 115 psi, bottom has 118 psi. I had a good arc on both cylinders 1/4 inch plus using a screwdriver to a head bolt. I’m thinking I should pull the head cover next and give it a visual. I keep thinking about that bottom plug, how white it was. Could I have a water leak into the cylinder, yet still have good compression? Any other suggestions?

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