Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

gryts

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Sep 7, 2004
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I have a problem with my 1997 Evinrude 30, mod.no. BE30ELEDB (Ser.no. G03923705). Engine always starts at first attempt. New plugs. Going at full throttle a sudden loss of power often occur without any warning. Rpm instantly drops down to idle level. It doesn´t matter if engine is cold or warm. Sometimes the engine even stops. It doesn´t happen if you go just under full throttle. After a short while it is possible to give throttle again and continue the trip. The feeling you get is that the engine is not supported with enough fuel when working at max. Maybe the fuelpump is defect in a way that only shows when it is asked to work at max capacity. (You can imagine the joy experienced by the kid on waterskis behind the boat!)I have noticed that the primer bulb does not hold pump pressure the way I have been used to on other outboards/fueltanks. (This tank is an OMC with no air valve on the fuel lid.) Also: at low speed/low rpm (well over idle)you can feel small jerks in the boat (a five meter boat) but then you really have to concentrate. I have read "Dugzee´s" question of Aug 25, 2004 and all initiated answers to it. Could my problems be linked to the fuelpump as well?
 

fireman57

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Aug 24, 2004
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3,811
Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

Sounds like one of your coils or sometimes known as powerpacks is arcing to the block. I don't know for sure if your 97 has them but my 91 does. When the wire gets bad or the coil cracks it arcs to the block so you are basically running on one cylinder. If you were fuel starved you would be able to squeeze the primer bulb and it would take off again. <br />Pull one of your plug wires and see if it starts. If it doesn't then I would replace that coil. If it does start then pull the other one and see what happens. The weak coil might only break down at higher rpms too.
 

gryts

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Sep 7, 2004
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Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

Originally posted by fireman57:<br /> Sounds like one of your coils or sometimes known as powerpacks is arcing to the block. I don't know for sure if your 97 has them but my 91 does. When the wire gets bad or the coil cracks it arcs to the block so you are basically running on one cylinder. If you were fuel starved you would be able to squeeze the primer bulb and it would take off again. <br />Pull one of your plug wires and see if it starts. If it doesn't then I would replace that coil. If it does start then pull the other one and see what happens. The weak coil might only break down at higher rpms too.
 

gryts

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Sep 7, 2004
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Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

Many thanks for your time and the advice! I will do the checks the coming weekend.
 

gryts

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Sep 7, 2004
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Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

To fireman57 or anyone on this forum interested in my motorproblems: pulled the plug wires one at a time and tried to start as suggested. In both cases engine started. Any more ideas?? Test drove the boat at max rpm and the powerloss occurred once. Losing power for a very very short while, then catching up by itself, then immediately losing power again for a very short while, then at once catching up again and therefter running smoothly at full speed for the rest of the trip.
 

fireman57

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Aug 24, 2004
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3,811
Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

It still sounds like a coil breaking down. Myabe Joe Reeves can get to the bottom of it. He is one of the best. I would buy a new coil and replace one that you have one there. If that solves the problem then great. If not swap it with the other. There is really no way to test them at high rpms that I know of. I think they run about 40.00 at the dealer but you can get a better deal on line. There were some links that I saw for parts in one of the posts but I don't remember which one. Anyone else with an idea? It just doesn't sound like a fuel problem to me. As long as your primer bulb does not get sucked flat it should be flowing to the engine.<br />If you do get a new coilpack you have to put them together yourself now. Be sure that you have the plug wire centered in pack and it hits the pin square. I had problems getting a good connection on a couple of them and had to screw around with them several times.
 

gryts

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Sep 7, 2004
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Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

Greatful for the problemsolving ideas! I will now try to get hold of a new coil/powerpack. Thank you fireman57. Hope my boat soon is running good in my Swedish waters!
 

raycapdevila

Cadet
Joined
May 12, 2009
Messages
7
Re: Intermitten Power Loss 1997 Evinrude 30

hi, fireman57 just wondering if you fixed your 97 evinrude have merc with same if yes write me...
 
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