Evinrude eating power packs??

[barbwire44]

Ok well not really eating them but seems to have a problem. Last summer the first power pack quit, so I replaced it, ran the boat about 15 hours or so, just ate another power pack??? Orderd another one, but figured there has to be something causing this??? Any ideas??
thanks it is a 1973 v-4 85hp by the way has one single power pack.
thanks

 

[ezeke]

Re: Evinrude eating power packs??

Very common cause is voltage reaching the black and yellow kill wire.

Bad or failing ignition coils or improperly grounded ignition coils kill powerpacks.

Open circuit caused by failed or failing rectifiers can kill stator and powerpacks.

You can check the ignition coils for cracks, discoloration, melting, etc. and replace if you find them. You should unbolt the ignition coils and clean all the connecting points. Also check the grounding straps on the rack.

There was a Service Bulletin regarding the powerpacks on this series of motors that cautioned against storing the motor tilted up because water entering the upper cowl from the hand grips fell directly on the powerpack. The suggestion was to seal the handgrip.

 

[barbwire44]

Re: Evinrude eating power packs??

ok, well for the price of the rectifier and coils I think I will just replace them to be safe along with the new powerpack.
thanks for the info

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Evinrude eating power packs??

Ezeke gave great advice, especially his first point, which is usually the case.

I would personally test this out if I were you. Simply disconnect the black/yellow wire at the pp and test with your VM on low DC voltage between it and ground. Your key should be off for this. Now, when you turn it on, is there movement of the needle? If so, you have a problem(ie a short). Follow that black/yellow wire to the ignition switch and remove the other end. If there is now no movement, your ignition switch is faulty. If there is still movement of the needle, you have a short. If you find this is the case, let us know and we can help you find it from there.

Good luck.