89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

[phlyonwall]

My '89 225 Evinrude cranks like crazy, but never fires. I've searched and read all the "no spark" posts, but still have questions for you pros. (I replaced the spark plugs with new ones today, btw). <br /><br />1) I disconnected the black wire with the yellow stripe (the one everyone says to check first???) at the helm end (easy to do) and when I turned the key, nothing. When I put it back, the engine cranks, but still no spark. Is this what you would expect? If it were shorted and the ignition switch wasn't working, what would happen?<br /><br />2) What can I check at the engine-side of things? What are the possible components that are causing this?<br /><br />It's rockfish season on the bay and I'm really looking forward to getting this fixed ASAP! If all else fails, I'll take it in to the mechanic ...<br /><br />Many thanks,<br /><br />Phly

 

[ezeke]

Re: 89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

Hello Hampton,<br /><br />If you disconnected the yellow and black wire and got absolutely nothing, then you have your switch wired wrong. <br /><br />The black and yellow wire is the kill wire which grounds out the system when the key is turned to the off position.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

hello<br /> wow its almost rockfish season here as well. when you say no spark how are you checking for spark? when did this no spark condition occur?<br /> if the engine wont crank over with the blk/yellow wire disconnected something is way wrong.it is odd to have both banks quit sparking at once.<br /> post more info and let us know

 

[phlyonwall]

Re: 89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

I haven't rewired anything, so I'm not sure that wiring is the issue (as the engine has run fine for 5 years in the current configuration). An auto mechanic friend of mine (who happens to own a couple of boats) suggested this morning that I actually disconnected the ground wire, even though it was black with a yellow stripe. Who knows, maybe the guy who originally wired it did it wrong! <br /><br />I checked for spark on cyclinder #1 by removing the plug, holding it with a gloved hand against the block while my wife cranked it. Nothing. I just assumed this was the issue with the remaining plugs, but will go back and check them individually.<br /><br />Background: The engine quit firing a few weeks ago, and I've finally gotten around to trying to fix it. I had disconnected the VRO and went with 50:1 premix about 4 weeks before this happened, but it ran fine when I did this (it was smoking like a chimney and burning 2.5 times as much oil with the VRO before the change). <br /><br />When it first happened, I assumed fouled plugs might be the problem and when I removed them, they were completely wet and pretty fouled. I cleaned and dried them, put 'em back in, checked the water/fuel separator (no water), put regular gasoline back in the fuel separator, and it started. I tried starting it the next day, and it wouldn't fire. Hasn't since. You can smell fuel at the engine when you've been cranking a while, so the fuel is flowing.<br /><br />Thanks again for your help!<br /><br />POW<br /><br />PS: Rodbolt, I'm in Hampton, we just got finished cleaning up from Isabel, that's why I haven't gotten to my boat in a few weeks. I imagine you've been through the same! Hopefully the fish will be here soon, regardless!

 

[phlyonwall]

Re: 89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

I eliminated the possibility of it being a short, as I disconnected the power at the big red plug and jumped the starter solenoid. It cranked, but still no spark. <br /><br />So I replaced the power pack with a new one. Still nothing. <br /><br />Would this mean that it's the stator? Is that something that can be fixed by me or do I need to take it to the mechanic since the flywheel has to be pulled?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 89 Evinrude 225 -- no spark

Don't overlook the fact that the motor needs at least 350 rpm while cranking to generate enough "juice" to make a spark. Poor connections, weak batteries, dragging starters, etc. can make the motor crank too slow to start up. <br /><br />If you are sure it is spinning fast enough, it may be best to call in a QUALIFIED mechanic with the proper test equipment to troubleshoot your motor. Or buy a service manual and beg, borrow, or steal the needed special tools.