1996 Evinrude 88 SPL problem

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Aluma88spl

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Sep 13, 2009
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I have an Alumacraft 16ft with an Evinrude 88 SPL (1996). The boat used to top out at about 48 MPH. For several years it has shut down when I tried to get over 35 MPH. Someone told me it might be the Power Pack. After two years of not using the boat I am now fishing again but now it's harder to start and I am having major problems just keeping it running. I am able to let it get warmed up and drive it. It will idle at about 700 RPM but when I go to try to take off slow or fast it shuts down 9 times out of ten. I changed the plugs but still no help. Could this be power pack or coils? Fuel filter is clean.
 
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emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1996 Evinrude 88 SPL problem

It's easy to check for good spark and go from there. Get an inductive timing light and check the spark plug wires when the boat is in the water under load. Check for nofires and misfires this way. If the spark checks out ok, then go on to possible fuel and other adjustment issues. The engine should idle at 650-750 in gear while floating.
 
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Aluma88spl

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Sep 13, 2009
Messages
3
Re: 1996 Evinrude 88 SPL problem

I started the motor today and pulled the two top sparks off...... nothing changed at all while the engine was running. The Idle did not change. They were sparking but not strong. When I pulled either of the bottom sparks off the engine shut down. The bottom spark plugs were sparking strong. What next? Would the Power Pack be bad?
 
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emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1996 Evinrude 88 SPL problem

The power pack is a likely problem. It's an expensive part to just replace without knowing if it is the defective part. A factory service manual is helpful to diagnose ignition problems.
 
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