1988 Johnson/Evinrude "CC" 40 thru 55 Models Service Manual, Page 141Get this manual
Indexing Flywheel, Erratic Ignition All Models Internal power pack problems could cause power pack to fire erratically or continuouslyTo troubleshoot this situation, you must determine that each cylinder is firing at the correct time and no more than once per revolution
1Disconnect the high tension leads and remove all spark plugs12812 Place the eraser end of pencil in the No.2 spark plug hole and slowly turn the flywheel by hand in clockwise direction until the greatest length of the pencil is outside the spark plug holeThis indicates the No.2 piston is near TOe 12913Make mark on the flywheel rim directly across from the timing pointerLabel this mark, "No.2 4Install the spark plugs and high tension leadsStart the engine in test tank and run the engine at the RPM where the problem exists5Carefully hook an induction timing light to each cylinder, alternatelyThe timing light should indicate that cylinder's number only and the number should only appear near the timing pointer If another cylinder's number appears or the correct number appears continuously around the flywheel, verify wire and pin location on all timer base and power pack connectors, or replace the power pack