96 Evinrude 50 cutting out

[Rob406]

Hey guys. First time out on my new boat. Got a 96 Evinrude 50. Model # E50ESLEUS
Fired up when i bought it, very easily. We only ran it for a few seconds. No strange noises.

I started it yesterday on muffs for the first time and it wouldnt fire. Found top cylinder coil wasnt firing. Plugs looked brand new. Gap looked small. Not sure what it’s supposed to be. Opened gap so the strap was flat across and it fired right up. Ok, fast forward to today.

Added 93 gas and some stabil. Tank was pretty empty. Ran great all the way around the lake. Smooth as could be. We stopped for maybe 10 mins, engine off. Then taking off slow, motor cut out and died. Not instant. But it bogged all the way down and then died. Got it running again with a little fiddling in neutral and thought maybe it was a freak thing. Fast forward another hour, and it did it again, like 3 times in a row. Only every time it would fire right back up, i’d kind of rev it up in neutral (clear it out maybe) then at this point we decided to head to the trailer.

Wondering where to start. I know the usual “bad gas” or maybe bad coil, which would be harder to diagnose at this point. I dont *think* the gas is bad, or carbs are dirty, only because it was running great 90% of the time. Any thoughts?

 

[racerone]

Running with 50: 1 mix ?-----VRO tested if in service ?----Water pump impeller replaced?----Post compression test results.

 

[Rob406]

Running with 50: 1 mix ?-----VRO tested if in service ?----Water pump impeller replaced?----Post compression test results.

Thank you. First, it is oil inject so idk the ratio. Also, could you define VRO? Impeller has not been replaced, although there is a extremely healthy telltale. Also compression has not been tested as motor runs and sounds extremely healthy, so i think Step 1 can be skipped, this time around.

I was covering the boat and realized the supply line (line with primer bulb) had a kink in a certain position, and the kink had a memory to it. Also, i feel like the coil is weak. However, what feeds the coil.
Or what can i do to rule out an intermittent failure?

I will replace fuel supply line. Still wondering about finicky coil. Or could it be upstream of the coil ??

 

[brodmann]

VRO Variable Ratio Oil. It's the type of oil injection system you have. As far as coils and spark concerns, go to an auto parts store and get a $10 spark gap tester. Make sure all cylinders have a strong enough spark to jump at least a 3/8" gap. I would not ignore the recommendation to check compression or assume the impeller is in good shape. Most folks here would agree that this is a "must" when you have a "new to you" motor and have no idea what maintenance has been done. While you're at it, I'd replace the lower end fluid too. To me, it's part of taking ownership and making it yours. I do the same thing when I buy a used car/truck. I assume the person selling it has done no maintenance at all.

 

[Rob406]

VRO Variable Ratio Oil. It's the type of oil injection system you have. As far as coils and spark concerns, go to an auto parts store and get a $10 spark gap tester. Make sure all cylinders have a strong enough spark to jump at least a 3/8" gap. I would not ignore the recommendation to check compression or assume the impeller is in good shape. Most folks here would agree that this is a "must" when you have a "new to you" motor and have no idea what maintenance has been done. While you're at it, I'd replace the lower end fluid too. To me, it's part of taking ownership and making it yours. I do the same thing when I buy a used car/truck. I assume the person selling it has done no maintenance at all.

Thank you. I do have a tester and will test coil. I can check compression too. How do I test VRO?

Lower unit oil, i’ve already changed. I plan to do the impeller next. I wanted to run the boat once first.

 

[Rob406]

A few more questions, if i may.

Is the VRO worth deleting? I would rather keep it in place.

Is there a decent service manual available?

Is there a good online source for parts? I would like to avoid dealers/counter persons type places if possible. Nothing local anyways.

 

[racerone]

A dealer can advise you if you are buying perhaps the wrong parts.----Give you sound advise and help.-----The online order desk will send you the stuff you ordered.------

 

[brodmann]

I have a Yamaha 115 with oil injection. I've been told that Yamaha makes the best oil injection system, but that others are not as dependable. I have kept mine in tact, but many on this site recommend deleting them. I have a 50 gallon built in tank and would hate to have to calculate how much oil to add each time I put gas in the boat.

 

[Rob406]

I have a Yamaha 115 with oil injection. I've been told that Yamaha makes the best oil injection system, but that others are not as dependable. I have kept mine in tact, but many on this site recommend deleting them. I have a 50 gallon built in tank and would hate to have to calculate how much oil to add each time I put gas in the boat.

I have a ratio rite i use for my bikes. Mixing to me is not an issue. However i want to keep the system intact if it is dependable. I read the 80s units are not as dependable as the 90s units. Not sure if this is accurate or not. If someone could advise how to test the system, that would be great.

 

[racerone]

Your online parts source might be able to advise you on dependability / testing of the VRO unit I think.

 

[dingbat]

I've been told that Yamaha makes the best oil injection system, but that others are not as dependable. I have kept mine in tact, but many on this site recommend deleting them.

That advise is worth exactly what you paid for it....

Guessing the vast majority of the "disablers" do so because they don't want to spend the money to properly maintain the oiling system. Cheaper to replace a $400 pump with a $50 pump and dump oil in the tank

 

[Rob406]

Your online parts source might be able to advise you on dependability / testing of the VRO unit I think.

Wow!!! Thanks for the help. Ill drive 1.5 hours one way for a parts monkey to give me the same type of advise you offer

 

[racerone]

Good luck with your motor.

 

[Rob406]

Yeah thanks. Ill change the impeller to diagnose a stalling issue …

 

[racerone]

Water pump impellers are a very , very important part to ensure a motor has ng and healthy life.--And a routine maintenance item.-------If you do not know the condition of the impeller or the age , it needs a new one.----Test the overheat alarm too.----Post the actual compression test values here.

 

[Rob406]

Sorry, the dealer here is terrible. Basically scolded me for bothering him. Went for 1/4-20 upper vent plug. Gave my wife an upper and lower, neither of which fit (even though i gave him thread size) I was working an 8-8 so couldn’t go in myself. It’s over an hour one way. Another occasion they couldnt find my part and proceeded to search using google. So they really have no knowledge of parts and don’t seem to care. I’d rather not waste my time or obviously theirs. I wont name names but proceeded to look for reviews and theirs are terrible. Apparently not good mechanics either. The stories go on and on. I will take my chances elsewhere. Most (all) online places offer hassle free returns. For some reason i cannot find my model number in any database. They couldnt either. The model number is E50ESLEUS

 

[Rob406]

Water pump impellers are a very , very important part to ensure a motor has ng and healthy life.--And a routine maintenance item.-------If you do not know the condition of the impeller or the age , it needs a new one.----Test the overheat alarm too.----Post the actual compression test values here.

Sorry, the dealer here is terrible. Basically scolded me for bothering him. Went for 1/4-20 upper vent plug. Gave my wife an upper and lower, neither of which fit (even though i gave him thread size) I was working an 8-8 so couldn’t go in myself. It’s over an hour one way. Another occasion they couldnt find my part and proceeded to search using google. So they really have no knowledge of parts and don’t seem to care. I’d rather not waste my time or obviously theirs. I wont name names but proceeded to look for reviews and theirs are terrible. Apparently not good mechanics either. The stories go on and on. I will take my chances elsewhere. Most (all) online places offer hassle free returns. For some reason i cannot find my model number in any database. They couldnt either. The model number is E50ESLEUS

 

[racerone]

Easy----Use EUR to find your parts on 1997 model year.

 

[tphoyt]

A google search showed me your motor with the number you provided.

 

[Rob406]

Easy----Use EUR to find your parts on 1997 model year.

Are you saying to use 1997 E50ESLEUR ?