Bad amplifier?

[blip61]

Hi folks, first time posting and thanks in advance for any help offered. I just bought a 1971 evinrude 60 outboard in excellent condition. Engine turns over strong and shows very little wear considering the age. The problem is no spark. Per the seloc manual I've tested the ignition up to the "amplifier" they say I have to use a s-80 and a m-80 neon test light to complete the test. Of course I don't have those items. Is there another way to test the amplifier and is it common for them to go bad? A new one is aprox. $235.00 which is a lot for a shot in the dark. By the way, The coil has a strong blue spark so I know its not that easy fix. Thanks again!

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Bad amplifier?

Your coil can't have a hot blue spark with a dead amplifier, look elsewhere.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Bad amplifier?

Blip.... The following may be of interest to you.<br /><br />(Battery Capacitance Dischage Powerpack Test)<br />Various OMC Engines - 1968 to 1972)<br />(J. Reeves)<br /><br />Purchase a small 12v bulb at your local automotive parts store (the 12v bulb is to look like a flashlight bulb, not a headlight bulb). Solder two wires to that bulb, one to the side of the bulb (ground), and the other to the positive point. <br /><br />Remove the spark plugs. With the key in the on position, make sure that you have 12v going to the pack at the terminal block (purple wire). Now, connect the ground wire from the bulb to any powerhead ground. Connect the wire from the positive point of that bulb to the powerpack wire that is connected to the coil wire on the terminal board (blue wire). <br /><br />Crank the engine and observe that bulb closely (CLOSELY!). If that bulb glows even the slightest bit, the powerpack is okay. It may be a very dim glow... just so it glows! If it doesn't glow, the pack has failed. <br /><br />Keep in mind, that type powerpack (Battery Capacitance Discharge) demands a top notch battery of at least 70 amp hours. Any less will, in time, cause powerpack failure.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Bad amplifier?

Joe,<br /><br />Just a thought to make that test easier: Pick up a 2 or 3 or 6 volt bulb from Radio Shack. It will light up much brighter on the low voltage so you will be better able to determine if there is voltage at that point.<br /><br />Mark.