Power Packs

[garywayner]

I have just replaced the ignition coils on my 1985 115 Evinrude however, I think the power packs might be bad as well. Can bad power packs blow your ignition coils?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Packs

Bad powerpacks simply would not function. There is no way that bad powerpacks could damage the ignition coils.

Explain in detail what your problem is and what you've done so far in an attempt to correct it.

 

[garywayner]

Re: Power Packs

I have had a really bad ignition problem and rough running, so I first changed the spark plugs, but that did not help. Therefore, after looking at the ignition coils, I noticed they had a lot of cracks in them so I changed them and when doing so I noticed that there was a bit of corrosion in the leads. After cleaning them and installing the new coils, the ignition has certainly improved, but the engine is still running quite rough; which leads me to believe that all the cracking with the bad coils may have damaged the power packs. However, it might also be a carb problem. What are your thoughts?

I just bought the boat with the motor last year, so there are many things I am still learning. I am a diesel mechanic, but I am not really use to outboards and small motors yet.

Any help would be great.

Gary

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Packs

Before going any further, what is the model number of that engine so that we can determine exactly what engine (year, make, hp) we're speaking of.

 

[garywayner]

Re: Power Packs

The model number is CE115TLCOS. The motor is really good shape as it has never been in salt water. The only change that has ever been made since it?s rebuild about ten years ago (from what I understand from the original owner) is the VRO was disconnected as he was not comfortable with the idea of it.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Packs

Gary..... The engine is indeed a 1985 115hp Evinrude, a good design. However as with anything mechanical, problems develop.

The spark plugs should be Champion QL77JC4 plugs gapped at .040. What is the compression on the individual cylinders? Standing in back of the engine, facing it, the cylinders are numbered as follows.

2......1

4......3

With the spark plugs still removed, check the spark..... it should jump a 7/16" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame... a real SNAP! Does it? If you don't have a spark tester (and I suspect you might), the following may be of some use to you.

Spark Tester - Home Made
(J. Reeves)

A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a couple nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere.

Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:


..........X1..........X2

.................X..(grd)

..........X3..........X4

If all of the above checks out okay, then I would strongly suspect fouled, clogged, gummed carburetors. Let us know what you find.

 

[garywayner]

Re: Power Packs

Thanks, Joe Reeves. I checked the compression some time ago and again today, it is 130 on all four. So, there is no way that should be the problem. I checked the spark with my tester and all the checked 100%. I think it is the carbs or perhaps synchronization. What are your thoughts.

Thanks,
Gary

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Power Packs

The engine could have been sitting for some time. That would have resulted in fouled, clogged, gummed carburetors. It would be a good idea to remove, dismantle, clean, and rebuild them to assure yourself that they are as they should be.

Be sure to manually clean the four high speed jets (2 to a carb) that are located in the bottom center portion of the float chambers. Let us know how you make out.