'80 Evinrude 50 possible runaway?

infx708

Cadet
Joined
Jul 28, 2008
Messages
16
I fired up my engine this afternoon using muffs, just like I've done in the past. I let the engine idle for a minute until it was running smooth, and then tried to shut it off. I turned the key and the engine continued to run at a normal idle. The descriptions of a runaway that I've read here say that the engine runs at a high idle, but mine didn't. I tried to open the engine cover and received an electric shock when I touched the locking lever. I disconnected the gas and let the engine burn what it had. Obviously, I have something grounding out to the body of the engine. I didn't get shocked when I touched the boat (aluminum) but there is definitely some electricity flowing to the body when the engine is running. So, where do I start to look for the issues, and how many issues do I potentially have? My guess is that this is electrical more than anything.
 

sheldodm

Recruit
Joined
Jul 21, 2011
Messages
1
Re: '80 Evinrude 50 possible runaway?

Have the same problem with my 77' 55HP Evinrude. Still trying to get to the the bottom of. How did you resolve?
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: '80 Evinrude 50 possible runaway?

Read the Blue Highlited item at the top of this forum.
 

pguest44

Cadet
Joined
Jan 22, 2007
Messages
10
Re: '80 Evinrude 50 possible runaway?

I had the same problem with shocking when touching the locking lever. Come to find out the previous owner decided to use electrical take to cover a hole in the boot of the spark plug wire. It was arcing onto the motor and sending a shock through to the lever. So, have you checked the plug wires?
 
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