1960s Chrysler/west bend Sea King 3.5hp

[Anonymous]

What are some common issues? I currently have no spark even after cleaning and adjusting points, coil is clean but condenser is pretty rusty and original so i have another on order from evilbay. Seems to still have good compression and is all there. Purchased this motor along with a Clinton 4 stroke Sea Pacer 5hp for $50. The clinton intrigued me so i took the bait, figured if the clinton was junk i could retro fit a newer 4 strok on the leg and sell it off. Just trying to get spark to return on the sea king, am i started in the right direction with replacing the condenser?

• This topic was modified 6 years, 4 months ago by Mumbles.

[Steve A W]

I would clean the mounting spots on that condenser
and the mag plate and try it again.

Member of the MOB chapter.
I live in Northwest Indiana

[Anonymous]

Ill give it a try, it is pretty crusty under the hood.

[frankr]

Yep, those air-cooled motors have a corrosion problem with the fan blowing damp (salt??) air all over everything. I’ll say this: At least 90% of no spark problems are due to dirty or corroded points, assuming the coil is good. Take the points apart and clean everything shiny bright, separately. And of course the corroded parts such as that condenser.

[Anonymous]

Dont know its previous history but i dont think it was in salt air, least not here in eastern washington. probably just years of sitting outside.

[Anonymous]

Cleaned up mating surfaces rechecked points and cleaned again, no such luck with spark. Has decent compression @ 70psi. Hoping the new condenser works out.

[jcrigan]

I have had to change the spark plug wire and plug connector on several of these motors.

[Author]

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