1969 Evinrude 115hp Problems

[Snrub]

We have a 1969 Evinrude 115 hp. Outboard motor. It has developed an intermittent problem that we have been unable to find a solution for.<br /><br />When cold the engine starts fine. Sometimes after it has run for a while and is turned off it is very hard to start. The engine turns over but does not run. Quite often if you let it sit for a while (30 minutes) it will misfire but still not run. If you let it sit for an hour or more it usually will run again. <br /><br />The fuel system has been fully checked out and tested by a mechanic. The fuel pump & lines have been replaced but the problem persists.<br /><br />It seems as if there might be something in the ignition system that has a break in it. When the engine heats up perhaps it causes the ignition to fail, but when the engine cools down perhaps there is enough of a connection to allow the engine to run.<br /><br />Does anybody have any suggestions?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude 115hp Problems

Snrub..... That sounds like you may have an intermitent powerpack problem. It can be checked out as follows "when the problem is present".<br /><br />(Battery Capacitance Dischage Powerpack Test)<br /><br />Purchase a small 12v bulb at your local automotive parts store (the 12v bulb is to look like a flashlight bulb, not a headlight bulb). Solder two wires to that bulb, one to the side of the bulb (ground), and the other to the positive point. <br /><br />Remove the spark plugs. With the key in the on position, make sure that you have 12v going to the pack at the terminal block (purple wire). Now, connect the ground wire from the bulb to any powerhead ground. Connect the wire from the positive point of that bulb to the powerpack wire that is connected to the coil wire on the terminal board (blue wire). <br /><br />Crank the engine and observe that bulb closely (CLOSELY!). If that bulb glows even the slightest bit, the powerpack is okay. It may be a very dim glow... just so it glows! If it doesn't glow, the pack has failed. <br /><br />Keep in mind, that type powerpack (Battery Capacitance Discharge) demands a top notch battery of at least 70 amp hours. Any less will, in time, cause powerpack failure.

 

[Franki]

Re: 1969 Evinrude 115hp Problems

Hi Joe, <br /><br />Is that same powerpack design used in the 72 model as well? I think its different, but not entirely sure.<br /><br />thanks..<br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1969 Evinrude 115hp Problems

Frank.... I really can't pull that from memory, and I can't get at my books right now due to the alarm being set. However, the test that I've listed above holds true for all of the battery capacitance discharge systems (1968/72).

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: 1969 Evinrude 115hp Problems

There are two power packs for the '69 thru '72 V4s, depending on whether they have points or sensors under the flywheel. Both ignitions are capacitive discharge, they use the points or sensors just as triggers. I can't find my manual right now, but basically I believe the most expensive models had the sensors (69 & 70 115hp, 71 & 72 125hp), and the less expensive had points (85 & 100 hp). The power packs are different. BTW, I'm told it's not a big deal to swap the triggering mechanism under the flywheel - & I hope it's true because I have to do it later this week.