85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

[nrf414]

Hello Everyone:

First things first, I have a manual! Secondly, I understand how things are supposed to work on this engine - although I'm greener than the grass I am willing to learn things. Lastly, I have read most of the help files associated with ignition problems. So I bet you are probably wondering why I'm even posting this.... Well here is the deal; I'm looking for some common problems with this motors ignition system and economic solutions.

Make:
Evinrude 85 HP 1970's V4A Starflite

Problem: Not getting voltage to the plug

Been sitting approximately 6 months uncovered. (before I owned it)

Are there any common nuisances that are known with this ignition system?

When I am done testing the ignition system and find the part that needs to be replaced what are my options for economic solutions?
Ebay looks good if you cross reference part numbers with iboats.com
I read about Saskatoon getting some mad deals on his stator but I do not beleive he left a reference contact. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

 

[patrick4266]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

It could be a lot of things. I have the same engine and it had the same problem so I went with the obvious solution first which was the amplifier and that fixed it. However since they are quiet expensive you need to test it first. I was lucky in that I had a spare motor and I was able to pull the Amp off my other motor and fix it. You say you have a manual, in it you well see where it tells you how to pull off the amp wire that goes to the points and ground it out, if it gets spark the amp is good.

I found a amp off of ebay for 35 dollars but it took a month of watching.

 

[wavrider]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

http://www.boatpartstore.com/tips.asp

The above link has a step by step troubleshooting matrix.
try to verify what is bad before throwing parts at the engine, they can get expensive.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

Looking at your photograph reminded me that one problem that was addressed by OMC in Service Bulletin #1382 in the 1970's was that storing the motor tilted up will allow water to drain through the hand grip screw holes on the engine cover and soak the power pack and other ignition components.

Obviously it would keep the engine compartment constantly damp as well.

You can seal the screw holes, but the engine and gearcase also drain better when stored in the running position.

 

[nrf414]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

Looking at your photograph reminded me that one problem that was addressed by OMC in Service Bulletin #1382 in the 1970's was that storing the motor tilted up will allow water to drain through the hand grip screw holes on the engine cover and soak the power pack and other ignition components.

Obviously it would keep the engine compartment constantly damp as well.

You can seal the screw holes, but the engine and gearcase also drain better when stored in the running position.

The engine has been stored all winter in this position to the best of my knowledge. I just let it down last weekend after I got my battery charged and water came out of the lower unit. There didn't appear to be water under the hood. I will have to look to see if the screw holes were sealed. If they were not sealed what probable percentage do you think it is my power pack? Everything looks almost new.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

The power packs were not usually damaged by the water, according to the service bulletin. The power packs just won't work correctly with dampness/droplets in the case. The instruction was to open the power pack case and let it dry out, then seal the screw holes in the cowl.

I keep the screws in my 1973 and 1976 V4 power packs coated with liquid tape. We have extreme humidity here with a lot of wind-blown salt and other considerations.

BTW, it is near impossible to guess what version of the 85HP motor you have without the model number or at least a year. There are three very different ignition sytems used in the V4 motors between 1970 and 1979.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

What power pack was ever made that you could open?

 

[ezeke]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

To R Johnson. Every single one of the V4 Engines built in 1973 through 1976 had all screw type connections in a case that was closed after wiring it.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

I misunderstood, I thought you meant the pack proper.

 

[nrf414]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

I can't find a Neon Test Light anywhere. Even google can't find it.

Can I use a Multimeter? I tried the local auto parts place Advanced Auto, that generally rents/loans all kinds of specialty tools. I would really like to be able to troubleshoot my ignition system efficiently , not guessing, or wasting too much time. Any ideas or am I really making this way too complicated?

 

[Lakester]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

Are there any common nuisances that are known with this ignition system?

----------

hello,

i have a 71 85HP starflight. while in the hands of the previous owner... family had it past 36 years, 2 mo since new...

there were instances where it would not fire. they pulled the flywheel and dressed the points. then the engine would start.

in any event, if it has sat for 6 mo inside or out, pop the top... flywheel and dress the point sets.

hope this helps.
regards

lakester

 

[wavrider]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

I can't find a Neon Test Light anywhere. Even google can't find it.

Can I use a Multimeter? I tried the local auto parts place Advanced Auto, that generally rents/loans all kinds of specialty tools. I would really like to be able to troubleshoot my ignition system efficiently , not guessing, or wasting too much time. Any ideas or am I really making this way too complicated?

Neon tester, good luck ,, quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Most use a dva or dva adapter to do voltage checks with, I believe the trouble shooting matrix I deirected you to uses dva readings.



If you cant find a dva adapter, Ebay has them, or you can build your own from parts at radio shack for $18 if you can solder a little bit.

 

[nrf414]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude Ignition Problem - CD type I

Neon tester, good luck ,, quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Most use a dva or dva adapter to do voltage checks with, I believe the trouble shooting matrix I deirected you to uses dva readings.



If you cant find a dva adapter, Ebay has them, or you can build your own from parts at radio shack for $18 if you can solder a little bit.

Let the troubleshooting begin....