Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

[Check57]

After suffering recent engine failure on my 1968 55HP Evinrude, I've now replaced the Amplifier<br />Assembly, Points, Coil and Battery plus have had the Starter tested. I've disconnected all engine<br />wiring connectors, cleaned each terminal and performed a continuity check. The same on all<br />grounds, plus I've replaced any bad connectors or frayed wires. I did the same on the entire<br />boat from ignition to battery, from battery to engine. <br /><br />From a cold start engine starts right up and runs perfectly for 12 to 15 minutes and then shuts<br />down, if you try to restart immediately after shut down engine will turn a half turn pop through the<br />exhaust then kicks the starter out of gear. If you wait a minute or two it starts right up and runs<br />for 4 to 5 minutes and shuts down. You can do that for hours, it's like something is heating up<br />or shorting cause engine failure. Could the solenoid cause this?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

Is the engine overheating? Is cylinder head too hot to keep your fingers on it when it shuts down? When was the water pump last replaced?<br /><br />If solenoid was bad, you probably wouldn't be able to start the motor.<br /><br />Give us a little more info and maybe we can help.

 

[Check57]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

It doesn't feel hot to the touch, unsure as to when the pump was last replaced but do know the lower unit was replaced/worked on year ago. The pump seems to be working, water is spitting out the exhust when running and being pumped out of severial holes at the pivet hinge area so I'm assuming it's working.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

There was reference to a faulty cutout switch in another post -- could be an issue in your case, if your model has one (no experience with them failing, but maybe somebody else can address that).

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

Check57,<br /> Does it just die like you turned off the key, or does it stumble a bit and then die? Trying to find out if it may be fuel related! Have you tried pumping the primer bulb when it's dying out? Are the gas tank vents open and clear? <br />Just a thought!

 

[Check57]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

It's just as if I turned the key off. Earlier I asked if it could be the solenoid and reason I asked is because my bother was telling me his stack wagon (Used for picking up hay bails) would start and run fine for a few minutes and dye. His problem turned out to be his solenoid of all things. These are a FORD type of products that uses a solenoid which looks just like the one used in my Evinrude. I understand not to use a automotive solenoid in place of a marine solenoid, but was wondering if it could be my problem.<br /><br />The day before the engine would start/run and dye, after a few minutes start/run and dye. I removed the solenoid and look at, shook it and put it back. Now the engine won't even start, it continually does the half turn crank, pops through the exhaust and pops the starter out of gear.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

think I would consider your experience with the solenoid a pretty good indication that either the wiring or connections, or the switch itself is faultly. I think I would clean and tighten the connections, and if that doesn't improve the running I would just replace the solenoid. You should be able to get one at NAPA.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Engine stops running after something heats up or shorts out, 55 Evinrude

Check57, the solenoid has absolutely nothing to do with whether or not your motor runs. It's ONLY function is that of a high current switch, which provides power to energize the starter motor. This seems to be working, although it's easy to check. If you get better starter cranking by taking a jumper cable from the battery (+) to the hot post on the starter, you bypass the solenoid. If there is improvement, the problem is a) the solenoid b) the keyswitch c) the wiring or terminations (dirty, loose, broken wire, etc.)<br />Now, back to your running problem. You indicated that you've had most of the ignition components changed (power pack, coil (how many?), etc. Was the stator or timer base checked at that time? These components can sometimes act flakey with temperature change. They are easy enough to check with a VOM and an engine shop manual. The stator will sometimes leak green insulation from it's coils, indicating a likely problem as well. Also, the leads from the timer base sometimes get frayed because they move every time the timer base rotates (every aceleration/deceleration cycle.)