How to Wire a Johnson Outboard Magneto

The magneto system is made up of an armature plate located under the armature cover and a magnet built into the flywheel. As the magnet passes over the coil, the magnetic field is built up, which causes a current to flow through the ignition charge coil and to the ignition coil of the motor. The stop switch, which shuts down a motor, and the ignition module both terminate in male connectors. Because the single wire from the armature plate connects to both, it doesn't make any difference which male connector plugs into which side of the female connector.

Things You'll Need

  • Standard slotted screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the blade of a large standard slotted screwdriver between the armature cover and one of the distributor cover retainers. Twist the screwdriver to snap the retainer off the armature cover. Repeat the process to unsnap the other retainer.

    • 2

      Insert the bullet connector on the stop switch's black lead into either side of the double, female bullet connector at the end of the black-and-white wire coming from the armature platform.

    • 3

      Push the bullet connector on the black lead from the ignition coil into the other female bullet connector on the black and white wire from the armature platform.

    • 4

      Place the armature cover back onto the armature. Snap the retainers back onto the sides of the cover.