1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

[allyoop]

So...I am out fishing my favorite spot and go to start this motor. It cranks like crazy, smells of fuel, but will not start. I put the motor in the "up" position to begin the troll home. 1/2 hour later, I decide to try and crank it, just for fun. Of course, the engine jumps to life, but dies before I can lower the prop into the water. Once in position, it will not fire...lots of cranking, but will not fire. Trimmed the motor back up (prop out of the water) You guessed it. She fires again, but sluggish and won't continue to run. OK folks, where do I start? I just love this old workhorse...never had any trouble at all...till now.

 

[MCM]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

Welcome alleyoop,<br /><br />To start with check for loose/grounded elec. connections.<br /><br />Mike

 

[OBJ]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

When ya' get done checking for lose grounds and connections (and providing ya' didn't find any), check the wire harness where it goes into the lower pan. Bend it up like if the engine was tilted up and see if it fires. May have some frayed/busted wires around that area.

 

[MCM]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

OBJ, <br /><br />Thats kinda what I was thinkin' too, Forgot to mention it.<br /><br />Mike

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

If it were mine, I would suspect incorect float setting.<br /><br />Shore sounds lak hit.<br /><br />Haint got nuff gas when its down and then all ov uh sudden .....raised up.... hit duz.<br /><br />Sumpin is changin here!<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[allyoop]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

Whoa...great suggestions. I didn't really think this many knowledgeable folks monitored the board. OK...time to grab the multimeter and a handfull of wrenches. Thanks much. If I still have all my fingers at the end of my troubleshooting, I'll write back to let you know what the problem is (was)<br /><br />Thanks again!

 

[steamboatwilly]

Re: 1978 85HP Evinrude mystery

What Goodoleboy said,or it might be flooding when its down.