Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

[jjiboats]

I just purchased a boat with a 1974 85hp Evinrude. It had been sitting a couple years. I started it a week ago on muffs and ran. Started it again two days later and it ran. Just instaled new water pump kit and can't get to start.
Can I rule out the controls since it started before? I have a new 825 cranking amp battery, but have not charged it after buying it. Could the battery be down enough from trying to start, that it won't start engine? It sounds like it's cranking fast enough.
How do you know if the electric choke (switch under key) is working?
I know, alot of questions but looking for answers.

Thanks
joe

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

what did you move while taking the lower unit off. did you remove the carb, or any of the linkage, any wiring. when you say it won't start, did you check for spark. remove the cover push switch, should here it clik and see the linkage move.

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I just unsnapped the throttle linkage to get at the shift rod. Did not disconnect any wires. I had the cover to the motor off and could not see anything move when flipping the choke swich (didn't have the cover off of carb's either though). I will check for spark tonite. Last time I checked for spark (the first time I started it), it started with the plug in my hand. I was just wondering if the control was an issue, but it does crank the engine every time.

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I don't have any spark. I had spark a week ago because it started up twice.
Now I don't know where to check. A fully charged battery and good fuel.
I see on other posts, they talk of disconnecting the main power plug and jumping from the
solenoid. It does turn over with the key, doesn't that rule out the control problem?
Any ideas?

Thanks
Joe

 

[jtexas]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

No spark on any cylinder? Or just 1?

The choke button is supposed to actuate a solenoid on the starboard side of the engine, which has a plunger with a spring on the end connected to the carb linkage.

 

[tschamp20]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

depending on your method of testing for spark you may be fooling yourself ive done it.make sure the manual choke lever at front of motor on lower cover is in the middle position so the solenoid will work.also check inline fuse on top of motor port side.good luck,keep posting we will help you.maybe j/k

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

all 4 plugs. Power pack?

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I had guy (crazy) that liked to hold on to plug with screw driver and check for spark. No spark. Disconnected kill wire on power pack, still no spark. I don't understand how the manual choke would effect spark Tschamp20?

Just noticed there is no electric choke solenoid on motor, so the switch on control is for looks as its not hooked up.

Thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

As others have said, check the fuse at the engine. Then make sure that the control handle is in neutral. If you still get no spark, disconnect the black and yellow wire at the power pack and try it.

With the wire disconnected you cannot turn the engine off with the key, so be prepared to choke it.

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

Ezeke- fuse is good. Did disconnect kill wire, still no spark.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I don't know why, but you may have blown your power pack. Do you have a service manual?

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I have service manual. Under checking power pack it only gives tests with a neon test light. I talked to a marine mechanic (5 week leadtime) and he said it sounded like it could be the power pack. He also said the manual should give you some voltage checks on the power pack but it only talks about using a neon light.
I just bit the bullet and ordered a power pack. If it's not it, then I'll have a good one for awhile. No fishing this weekend.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions

Joe

 

[tschamp20]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

my response was in regards to "how do i know if the electric choke is working"
good luck

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

Sorry Tschamp20, I didn't comprehend. I've now found out there is no electric choke on motor. There is a bracket for one and switch on control. Maybe someone took it off? Or was it an option?
I'm wating on a new power pack next week and will try again.
Thanks for the help

Joe

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

Put new power pack on today- still no spark. Is there a way to check stator?
Turns over strong. Like I said before it ran for a few minutes a couple weeks ago, twice.

Thanks for any ideas

Joe

 

[burroak]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I had guy (crazy) that liked to hold on to plug with screw driver and check for spark. No spark. Disconnected kill wire on power pack, still no spark. I don't understand how the manual choke would effect spark Tschamp20?

Just noticed there is no electric choke solenoid on motor, so the switch on control is for looks as its not hooked up.

Thanks

This is not the solution to your problem, but that motor came equipped with a choke solenoid. When you get spark you will need that item.

Holding an outboard motor spark plug to check for spark is not good. If you have good spark, you will blow out your prostate gland voiding yourself.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

go to www dot outboardignition.com, click on 'troubleshooting' you'll find some procedures you can do with an ohmmeter, but the rest require a DVA adapter for your multi-meter.

 

[jjiboats]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

Thanks JTexas, will do. If all else fails I guess I''l take it in.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

When you checked for spark, did you have all of the plugs out and were they grounded to the engine?

 

[jlwslw]

Re: Starting problem 85hp Evinrude

I dont know too much about this but. You just changed water pump. Could it be in gear and the safety-neutral switch wont let you start it? Just a thought. Hope that helps.