Johnson 3.3 ignition trouble shooting ?

[Jim Cate]

We have a Johnson 3.3 that is seldom used, but that has been reliable in the past. Recently tried to start it with no success, found that there was no spark. Plug is OK, wiring looks fine, no corrosion visible. Realized that I didn't know how to troubleshoot the CDI other than substituting parts, so thought I'd ask here for any hints.

Fire away!

Thanks,

Jim

[GordMay]

1. Find the model number of your CDI/ power pack
2. Go here ➥ Category Archive for "" | CDI Electronics
3. Find & clic on your CDI / power pack.
4. Click the link that says 'install sheet'.
5. A PDF comes up that shows each lead and what to expect (troubleshooting) when testing with a volt meter.

See also ➥ Page 40 - Johnson Evinrude outboard ignition test specs

And ➥ OMC, Johnson, Evinrude, Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Section

And ➥ http://www.ebasicpower.com/downloads...N-EVINRUDE.pdf

[a64pilot]

Does it have a kill switch? If everything else checks out, I've seen kill switches go bad, usually they can be disconnected as they work by shorting out the ignition, but every now and again someone gets smart and they have to be connected to provide a circuit to power the ignition.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by GordMay

1. Find the model number of your CDI/ power pack
2. Go here ➥ Category Archive for "" | CDI Electronics
3. Find & clic on your CDI / power pack.
4. Click the link that says 'install sheet'.
5. A PDF comes up that shows each lead and what to expect (troubleshooting) when testing with a volt meter.

See also ➥ Page 40 - Johnson Evinrude outboard ignition test specs

And ➥ OMC, Johnson, Evinrude, Outboard Motor Troubleshooting Section

And ➥ http://www.ebasicpower.com/downloads...N-EVINRUDE.pdf

G'Day Gordy,

As usual, you are a trove of info! Sadly, in this case, each of the references you suggest only deal with larger engines, ones that have 12 volt driven CD units. I could find no info on the small, magneto driven systems. They do include resistance measurements for the coil which likely will be similar, and I will shortly go check that measurement.

Despite this disappointment, I thank you for the effort and the response.

Cheers,

Jim

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Does it have a kill switch? If everything else checks out, I've seen kill switches go bad, usually they can be disconnected as they work by shorting out the ignition, but every now and again someone gets smart and they have to be connected to provide a circuit to power the ignition.

Disconnecting the kill switch was about the first thing I tried (and it is the grounding type killer).

Thanks for responding.

Jim