As a boater, it’s important to ensure that your outboard motor is well-maintained and functioning properly. One aspect of this maintenance is setting the points on a Johnson outboard motor. The points are an integral part of the ignition system, controlling the timing of the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. Here’s how to set the points on a Johnson outboard motor:
Step 1: Find the points – The points are located under the flywheel of the outboard motor, so you will need to remove the flywheel to access them. To do this, first disconnect the battery and remove the spark plugs. Then, remove the nuts or bolts that hold the flywheel cover in place and gently lift off the cover to expose the flywheel.
Step 2: Check the gap – The points should have a gap of 0.020 inches when they are fully open. To check the gap, place a feeler gauge between the points when one of the cam lobes is directly opposite the rubbing block on the points. If the gap is too small or too large, it will need to be adjusted.
Step 3: Adjust the gap – To adjust the gap, loosen the screw that holds the points in place and move the stationary point using a flathead screwdriver until the gap is correct. Then tighten the screw to hold the points in place.
Step 4: Check the timing – Once the gap is set correctly, you need to check the timing of the points. To do this, rotate the flywheel until the timing marks on the flywheel and the stator plate line up. Then, place a test light or multimeter between the negative terminal of the battery and the negative side of the coil. Rotate the flywheel until the points just start to open and the test light or multimeter shows zero volts. This is called the “break” point.
Step 5: Adjust the timing – If the timing is not correct, you can adjust it by loosening the stator plate screws and rotating the plate until the timing marks line up correctly. Then tighten the screws to hold the plate in place.
Step 6: Reassemble – Once you have set the points and timing correctly, you can reassemble the flywheel cover and reconnect the spark plugs and battery.
Setting the points on a Johnson outboard motor is an important aspect of maintaining the ignition system and ensuring proper engine function. By following these steps, you can set the points correctly and have confidence that your outboard motor is in good working order.