'81 50 HP Evinrude OB Ignition

[Mikki]

I have an '81 50 HP evinrude OB. The problem I am experiencing is <br />when I first put my boat in the water, it starts fine. After running it<br />for a while, if I shut it off it will not restart. It turns over just fine. It <br />just won't start. I am new to the boating scene and don't know what <br />to make of it. <br /><br />Also, does this engine have an alternator? Or do I manually charge the battery<br />everytime. I have metered the voltage on the battery "on" and "off" and do not <br />see any change in voltage. Please let me know.

 

[tazatax]

Re: '81 50 HP Evinrude OB Ignition

hi mikki,<br /> yes the motor has its own charging system under the flywheel. as for the not starting how often does this happen? the throttle cable on the engine has a neutral saftey switch if the throttle is not in the right position (neutral) this switch cuts out the electric to the coil.<br />hope this is some help.<br /> Taz

 

[jegervais]

Re: '81 50 HP Evinrude OB Ignition

Welll, the answer is yes and no, it depends on the motor. Since you didn't post the model number, we cannot determine what "factory equipment" yours may have come with. Not all were originally equipped with electric start (it could be added on to a rope start motor) and it may not have an alternator. Remove the hood and look for the wires coming out from under the flywheel. On the starboard side, look for a pair of yellow wires running to a terminal board and then to a small cylindrical device (rectifier). If you have these components, you've got a charging system. IF voltage doesn't increase to 13-plus volts @ 2000 rpms (DO NOT run at that rpm on a garden hose/flush muffs!!), then the system is not functional.<br /><br />On an outboard, the nuetral start switch actually prevents current from going to the starter solenoid, not the coils. When it cranks and won't start, does it have spark?<br /><br />-John

 

[Mikki]

Re: '81 50 HP Evinrude OB Ignition

Thanks for the input. I will check out the charging system (if it has one) and check for spark. <br /><br />The "not starting" only occurs after it has been run for a while. On a cold start, it fires right up.<br />could the coil be over-heating?