Evinrude big twin 40 hp spark on one cylinder?

Question

I bought the above engine and am in process of getting it running. But I am getting spark only on the lower cylinder. Any trouble shooting ideas before I take the magneto cover off?

Answer 1

That engine runs with two coils,two sets of points and two condensers.All of the above are under the fly wheel.

  Pull the flywheel and you will see the coils etc.The age of the engine likely means that you  will see cracks on the coil(s).When you do the tune up replace all the ignition parts including the plug wires.When you set the points set them at .015.When you install the new coils you MUST be sure that the arms on the coils DO NOT extend past the aluminium boss.

  If you need any further advice contact me through this site.

  35 years as a marine tec