Engine Misfiring

[Ramdog]

I have a 1989 Evinrude 88 which has been running with no problems until my last two outings. For lack of a better decription, it is "burping", skipping or jerking at between 1/2 and full throttle, about every 15-30 seconds for about 1/4 second. At first, I thought I was smacking a wave the wrong way, but it now seems to be the engine. Anyone have any ideas what this could be and how I can fix it?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Chris

 

[new owner]

Re: Engine Misfiring

my 45 hp chrysler does the same thing. with the exception with the coughing. i have found that the bottom spark plug was not firing. i found that the point for this plug was black so just a simple point and condensor replacement fixed it. but it could be timing, coil, bad plug wire, or simply too much gas from carb. test the plug first. remove all plugs and place them back on the wires. hold the plug with well plastic or rubber coted pliers against the head of the engine. next turn the key over to start the engine. if there is a good blue or white spark from the plug then it is not a coil, plug, plug wire, or point and condenser failure. next reduce the gas going into the engine from the carb by the needle valve screw. if thhis does not work then it is most likely timing. and if it is if you don't know what you are doing then it is better off taking it to someone that does.let me know what happens.