In a 2 stroke where do the sparks come out of engine?

[ubermensch1324]

Hey guys, a little new to 2 stroke engines but I figure it works the same. Basically the engine cranks up quickly but just won't fire up. We have narrowed down the problem (hopefully) to the spark plugs not sparking.

I posted pictures of the '84 Johnson 60HP engine and am just curious...when I fire it up do the sparks actually come out of the black hose without it being hooked up to the spark plug? Or does the black hose have to be pushed in and latched to the spark plug for me to see blue sparks coming out the back?

When we start the engine we don't see any type of sparks coming out, either with the black hose attached with the spark plugs in or even with the black hose out. My dad says that the sparks should be flying out the hose even when it's not connected.

Thanks in advance for the help.

PS - Is there a fuse located anywhere on the unit that controls the spark plugs or anything firing the engine?

[ubermensch1324]

Ok so I bought new spark plugs and installed them and put the hoses on...fired it up again and it does the same thing! Cranks hard but doesn't fire up. Still no sparks flying out the back where the spark plugs are at. Also tried holding a screwdriver in the wiring harness for the spark plugs and put it about 1/4" away from a solid ground and no spark jumped so looks like it could be a deeper problem.

Thanks again for any replies.

[buoy37]

When we start the engine we don't see any type of sparks coming out, either with the black hose attached with the spark plugs in or even with the black hose out. My dad says that the sparks should be flying out the hose even when it's not connected.

I don't know crap about diagnostics, but I know the "hose" in your hand is a spark plug wire. I don't think you will see sparks shooting out of it unless it is very close to the spark plug (maybe a 1/16 away?). Check your local auto part store for a spark plug wire tester.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/LIS0/26900.oap?ck=Search_N0665_-1_411&pt=N0665&ppt=C0103

[goober]

First confirm that your problem is not in the ignition switch or safety lanyard button.I wound then perform a voltage test of the stator as per manual instructions and make sure its putting out.May be a powerpack failure , but you'll want to confirm before just buying another one.Those things are pricey. good luck

[goober]

after looking at your wires on the terminal strip jumper. it needs to be redone

[Swells]

I'm a little confused here ... by "hose" do you mean the spark plug wire, which has a rubber boot on the end?

You should be able to push back the boot and hold the spark plug wire just above some metal, which should arc some blue sparks to a ground such as the engine head. That's how a spark plug works, grounding to the block past an air gap with a spark. The air gap is usually 1/16 to 1/8th of an inch, whatever they say for like the feeler gauges. Maybe that's what your Dad meant.

The coil to spark plug wire has to be good and if cracked it will leak electricity bad. Not sure of how a 60 Johnson is laid out but there should be spark plugs, a coil, voltage regulator and wiring block, and a magneto (older smaller versions) or alternator/generator. Work it back and check for a current, bad wires, corrosion, green stuff, etc. I doesn't sound like your starter solenoid circuit, if you got one. If it cranks with an electric starter but won't start, no fire, that's a good sign and usually simple to fix. It means that you got fire through the voltage block.

I suck at electrics and am usually fighting those ethanol fuel issues.

And if you got a hose with fire shooting out of it like a big handgun, I wanna see this!

[FlatoutFishin]

I think I'd take it to a mechanic!

[ubermensch1324]

First confirm that your problem is not in the ignition switch or safety lanyard button.I wound then perform a voltage test of the stator as per manual instructions and make sure its putting out.May be a powerpack failure , but you'll want to confirm before just buying another one.Those things are pricey. good luck

Ok guys, thanks for the input but I fixed the problem. This is so stupid didn't wanna post it up haha.

Basically, somehow or the other the kill switch had come out on the inside panel by the steering wheel so it wasn't grounding the charge coming out of the spark plugs. It wasn't as easy as pushing it down but after taking the panel apart it was loose.

Hey, it was ugly but it's a win in my book - no money given to a mechanic!!! Anyways, thanks a ton guys I appreciate all the help!!!

Hope this helps someone out in the future.

[reeltime]

You gotta be kidding me!WTH.I thought i asked you to check the kill switch.lmao..wouldn't change a thing.Were's my ice chest?I reached into my jacket early this morning and pulled out a car charger!!!!!!!!!!answer your phone!

[gregr1971]

Other kill switch?

[FlatoutFishin]

Why do i not feel like this problem has been solved?

[fuzzy]

May be the wrong spark plug hose.

[Dawg]

I was worried when he told me he ran it for 4 days with no oil in the gas.

[gregr1971]

Either a true nubie, or a joke....??

[coachlaw]

No oil????????? THAT will be a problem very shortly.