'89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

basser01

Cadet
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
28
So I have an '89 evinrude 90hp vro that starts and runs fantastic. Usually fires up in just a few cranks of the starter and runs strong, no skips, stutters, etc. However, every several outings, after having started the motor several times and being run to a few fishing spots it won't start. The starter will crank the motor over fine, and I use the same starting procedure I always do but nothing happens. It's like it just isn't firing at all. So I pump the bulb, look at everything with a serious look and it gets scared and starts. Any idea what types of things I should look into? Fuel filter clogged, not delivering fuel? No spark for some reason?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: '89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

I guess that you need to check spark when it woun't start. If you have good spark i wounder if the carbs might not be flooding when the engine is warm. You could remove the front cover and run it till it woun't start and see if there is fuel leaking into the carbs.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: '89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

Take a spark plug wrench with you next time out. When you get to the situation where it won't start, pull a couple of spark plugs out and see if they are wet or dry. That will tell you something.
 

basser01

Cadet
Joined
Jun 2, 2011
Messages
28
Re: '89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

OK, I can do that. I keep plug sockets and spare plugs with me on the boat so the next time it happens I will check it out.

Thanks
 

archcycle

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
647
Re: '89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

If you've got a timing light or can borrow one then bring that along too. When it won't run then hook it up to each plug wire right next to the plug boot and see if each plug is sparking. Or use a spark tester that you can get from any auto store, but a timing light is nice because you don't have to unplug anything, and when you're done checking the spark, you can check your timing :)
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: '89 90 hp evinrude intermitent non-start

That's a good idea and it's simple.
 
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