1974 Evinrude 50hp outboard

[MBR0311]

Having trouble figuring this one out. When the boat is in the garage and hooked up to the muffs, it fires up and runs. As soon as I put it in the lake, I turn the key and nothing happens at all. As soon as it's back on land, turns right on. Only thing I have done to it lately is replace the water pump impeller, so the lower unit was off and then back on.

 

[jimmbo]

As soon as I put it in the lake, I turn the key and nothing happens at all. As soon as it's back on land, turns right on.

So it won't crank, in the water? hmm

 

[MBR0311]

No, nothing happens at all, it’s like it loses all power

 

[jimmbo]

All the Electrical in good Condition, Cables, Connections? Something is changing from when it is on the trailer, to when it is in the water, and vice versa

 

[MBR0311]

Yes, I went through and checked all the cables and connections, all look good to me.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

It'll have nothing to do with lake vs. not lake. Somewhere an electrical connection is intermittent, and the water vs. muffs thing is coincidence. You're saying the starter isn't even cranking when you turn the key? I'd open up the control and check for loose wiring. Similarly check connections at the starter. Definitely check your main battery cable connections. Something is loose somewhere.

 

[440roadrunner]

.........Or has to do with the neutral safety switch.........