1990 Johnson Evinrude "ES" Colt/Junior thru 8 Service Manual, P/N 507870, Page 123Get this manual
Component TestingMagneto Test Equipment To determine accurately the condition of components of the ignition system, an ignition tester should be usedWithout the use of test equipment; coils, condensers, or point assemblies may be replaced needlesslyA wide variety of ignition testers is available from various manufacturersIn addition, some automotive testers having the proper specifications can be usedDetailed instructions for the use of any tester are provided with the unit; therefore, only general information is given hereRefer to the manual of the ignition tester you are usingSpecifications will vary between testersAll components of the ignition system should be checked, even though replacing part seems to have corrected the troubleFor example; replacing points may have increased spark, but further improvement might be realized if condenser is found to be weak and is replacedRefer to Page 3-10 to test the ignition coilBreaker Point Cleaning 1After extensive service, the breaker points may become worn, dirty, or out of adjustmentInspect the breaker assemblies for corrosion or unusual wearQuestionable breaker points should be replacedCheck action of the spring and free movement of the breaker armDO NOT change breaker arm spring tension2Dirt, foreign particles, and oil are very detrimental to contact performanceThe oils and acids from person's hand, even though clean, can cause contact resistanceOil deposits on the points will cause them to burn out after very short period of operationIf points need cleaning, use alcoholNEVER FILE POINTSreplace them3To remove any trace of dirt from contacts, insert strip of bias tape dipped in alcohol and work it up and down between the pointsRepeat entire cleaning procedure for second set of pointsBreaker Point Test