vhf radio interference

[Hellsranger]

When my VHF is on and the engine (91 Johnson 70)I get a buzzy ticking interference. The speed of the ticking seems correspond to the RPM of the engine. Could it be bad plug wires? I'm hoping to get some input here as I'm basically not able to use the radio while under way, its just too annoying.
Thanks - Mac

 

[DW]

Considering the age of the wires, sounds like a good start to replace the wires first. If the issue continues, using Ferrites could help. You'll have to find someone smarter than I, but the basic concept is to add ferrites until the interference disappear.

 

[ssobol]

It depends on whether the ticking is noise in the electrical system or is RF noise picked up by the antenna.

For electrical noise you can get an isolation transformer that goes on the radio power input.

 

[srbaum]

A lot of my older 2 strokes made radio noise until I changed spark plugs to fix the issue. Here is one example at boats.net that may help solve the problem https://www.boats.net/product/johnson/0 ... cfd29de9a6

 

[Barry Rietz]

You might try to find a set of "iridium" spark plugs and a new set of "resistor" type plug wires. (the hot rod shops have these items)