1972 85hp evinrude won't start

[rundy1981]

I have a 1972 85hp evinrude that won't start. The flywheel will only turn about 1/4 or 1/2 and then stop. Could it be a wiring problem since when i got the boat the wiring was all disconnected from the remote control? is it the starter? Thanks for any help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

remove the plugs. if it turns over then, you probably have a weak battery, bad or dirty connections. first how long has it been since it was started? if it has been setting up for sometime use the red "search" function at the top of this page and search 'awakening a sleeping engine' an follow that post. good luck and welcome to iboats. if it's fixable it will get fixed here. also get a manual at 'kencook.com' or on iboats mega mall.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

Welcome rundy!<br /><br />Taking for granted when you say the flywheel only turns 1/4 to 1/2 turn then stops, this means that this happens when the starter is engaged. These V4's take a good battery to turn over. Make sure yours is good enough...ie...fully charged. Also make sure the connections from the battery to the starter solenoid to the starter are clean and tight. Same goes for the battery ground cable. <br /><br />If all this is good, take a screwdriver and jump the large posts on the solenoid. If the starter takes off and spins the motor, replace the solenoid.<br /><br />Keep us posted.

 

[MCM]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

Welcome to the forum rundy1981,<br /><br />Since this motor is apparently new to you an OEM service manual will be quite usefull.<br /><br />That motor has the "Hydro electric shift" I beleive, which means it will default to forward gear until 12 volts is supplied to lower unit in the proper order.<br /><br />Since the wiring has been "played" with its possible that could create a situation that would make it hard to start.<br /><br />There's some good info in this old post that should apply to your motor and may help.<br /><br /> http://forums.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=036594 <br /><br />If you follow the advice of Joe Reeves in the post and can get the motor to turn over after getting the L/U and wiring out of the way it may give you a place to start with the troubleshooting.<br /><br />Others will come along with more advice <br /><br />Good Luck

 

[rundy1981]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

The boat has been sitting for about 3 or 4 years without being started. I guess it wasn't covered either The battery is brand new and the connections seem to be good. I will try these things and let you guys know.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

rundy, the guys here are fantasic, the more info you give the better advice you get. be specific, describe what you did what the results were. if it gets long, thats ok here.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

Setting for so long, you may to dig a little deeper into it before running. A carb overhaul and fuel line replacement would be a good thing to consider. Water pump and t-stat would be another. When you do get it to crank, get a compression reading on each cylinder. This will give you some idea of the shape of the cylinder walls and rings. Also good for future reference.

 

[rundy1981]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

OBJ -- what kind of prices are we talking about for those kind of things?

 

[alden135]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

Here ya go. This will give you a place to start looking.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...******=299805630&view_id=7&search_type=recent

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

OEM prices will be more rundy. Example, carb kits for your engine will run around $28 and include new floats.<br /><br />A complete pump kit (housing, plate, impeller and new gaskets), about $94.<br /><br />Take a good look at the link alden posted. Like he said, it's a good place to start.<br /><br />An OEM service manual and parts list would also be a very highly recommended purchase. Would save you a lot of aggrivation and guess work.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

When checking connections, simply looking at them is not sufficient. Take both ends apart, clean them thoroughly and then tighten securely.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 1972 85hp evinrude won't start

With a known good battery, and a set of jumper cables,go directly to the starter. Until you have that engine cranking over for a complete test. Don't spend any money on it. That engine also has battery CD ignition, along with hydro-electric drive. It could turn into a real money pit.