Dry spark plugs?

[mjohnston7]

Motor: 92 Evinrude 70 Hp
Problem: Won't start or even sputter, just turns and turns...

This is my third different thread with this motor in the past few months and I still haven't gotten the boat in the water yet. I'm getting closer with the help I have received on each thread though so here's my story...

Initial problem was dirty carbs so they have been rebuilt. Second problem was while testing the carb job, motor wouldn't start anymore. Replaced power pack last weekend and motor started just fine and sounded great. Also have put in new spark plugs, new battery, and new fuel pump recently.

Deceided this weekend I would decarb. Motor doesn't start though so decarb process has yet to begin. Removed spark plugs and found them very dry even though I would have expected them to be wet from all the choking I gave the engine trying to get it to start. Verified that primer solenoid is working so that isn't a problem (can see fuel squirting into each carb). Fuel line is connected and vent open. Can't imagine it is the fuel pump as it is less than a year old. I'm out of ideas so what do you all suggest I look at next?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

Let's divide and conquer. Take some of your decarb agent "Sea Foam" and put it in a spray bottle, or get an aerosol can of the stuff which is under the name "Deep Creep". Spray directly into the throat of the carb (throttle at WOT to get the butterflies open) while turning over the engine with the starter.

If it hits you have a fuel problem, if not, a timing or spark generation issue.

With dry plugs you'd think fuel was the culprit.

Interesting that they are dry with you being able to see fuel atomizing in the carb venturi.

Mark

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

i agree, i use some premixed gas in a squeeze bottle, and put it directly in to the carbs. you can also disconnect the black/yellow wire on the power pack, this is the kill wire.. if it starts with the wire disconnected, you have a problem with the wiring or ignition switch.

 

[mjohnston7]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

Wasn't able to try spraying fuel into the carb yet as boat is in the garage but I did start to look at disconnecting the kill wire (black with yellow stripe).

Problem there is it is included with four other wires in a connector at the power pack and from there runs straight to the ignition switch as far as I can tell. Therefore I don't see a way to disconnect the kill wire at the power pack other than cutting it. Could I disconnect it at the ignition switch? Guess this wouldn't rule out a problem in the wire from the ignition switch to the power pack though. I was able to test the kill switch at the control box with a multimeter and confirmed it cycles when I remove/reattach the clip. Shouldn't I be able to test the kill wire at the power pack using this same method or am I better suited to physically disconnect the wire?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

As Tashasdaddy, squirt in the premix !!!!!

 

[mjohnston7]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

Here's and update to my problem. Assuming that I checked for spark properly (plugs out and with the threads resting against enging block) disconnected kill wire (actually had to cut it since I couldn't see where it could have been disconnected otherwise and I have a spare power pack) discovered I have no spark. Going to disconnect yellow wires from rectifier and test tomorrow. Plan to also test the stator tomorrow but don't fully understand how to do this. Instructions I have say to test for resistance of the following wires:

white - purple 38-42 resistance
white - blue 39-32 resistance
white - green 38-42 resistance

What does this mean? I have a multimeter with some knowledge on how to use it. Are these the wires going from the power pack to the spark plugs?

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

This may sound crazy but choke the motor and make sure your butterfly choke is completely closing.I had a similar problem.. I rebuilt my carbs and I couldn't get my motor to start, I just happened to look at the choke and it wasn't closing all the way off, I mean a hair, adjusted the choke and boom fired right up.

 

[mjohnston7]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

Here's an update to my troubles. After running through all the different electrical tests for not having spark, they all tested ok. Decided at this point it had to be the power pack. So I purchased a brand new (perviously I had bought a used one), put that on and the motor fired right up. SOUNDED GREAT! So a bad power pack was the problem the entire time when I thought that was the one thing that was ok. Lesson learned here was to not buy used Power Packs unless you are a expert at testing them. Yea I would have saved $40 using the used one but the amount of time I spent troubleshooting other things easily would have paid for that expense. Have taken the boat out on the water three times and my daughter just loves it. Finally got the motor decarbed as well and the only thing left is to fine tune the idle a little.

Thanks to all who helped me troubleshoot my motor. Hope I am able to return a favor as I am a little smarter with these things now and might be able to provide some assistance in the lessons I have learned.

Mike J.

 

[Viperwhy]

Re: Dry spark plugs?

This may sound crazy but choke the motor and make sure your butterfly choke is completely closing.I had a similar problem.. I rebuilt my carbs and I couldn't get my motor to start, I just happened to look at the choke and it wasn't closing all the way off, I mean a hair, adjusted the choke and boom fired right up.

How did you adjust the choke?

 

[racerone]

??---This was 15 years ago !!

 

[saltchuckmatt]

How did you adjust the choke?

Viper, you have to look at the dates of the post, in this case 2007. Also, if you read the thread in his first post he doesn't have a choke. He has a primer. If you have a question or need support after reading an old posting, just start a new post.