TOPIC: Starts and runs but no power.

This is the same 66 100hp johnson I want change to electronic ignition. I replaced points and condenser. Spark is much improved but seems like half the motor is running. any suggestions on how to proceed?

Have you checked to make sure you're getting spark to all four?

yes I have spark on all four plugs. had a great reminder as I tried to pull a plug wire as it was running. very energizing.

so the answer appears to be - Don't switch the plug wires! #2 and #4 were swapped. Don't know how or when but it doesn't work well. Real test will come wednesday when I can take it out to play.

So what potential damage did i do by firing the 2 cylinders at the wrong time?

Tomahawk wrote:

So what potential damage did i do by firing the 2 cylinders at the wrong time?

I'm going to say you didn't hurt it. I did the same thing to the '63 johnson when I tuned it up for the first time after I had it rebuilt in '83. The "mechanic" and I use that term loosely installed the water jacket cover on the port head up side down and me being very new to messing with these old engines put # 2 wire to #2 spark plug or where the hole had a #2 beside it. Not a good running motor at all after that .. So I carried it to another mechanic and he straightened it out. So I know how it feels for sure. It ran just fine after that. jim