Evinrude weird starting

[djandjas]

I have purchased a Evinrude 125 (1972 Model #125 283R) that seems to have a strange starting problem.<br /><br />The motor will start with the barest touch of the key in the shed (motor stored in down position). Yet when I take it out it will not start for love or money (or cursing ) The motor turns freeley, the plugs are not fouled and fuel is getting to the motor. The fuel is new (87 oct 50:1) and the choke appears to be working. The only thing I can put it down to is that something happens when the motor is tilted for travelling (takes me 30 mins on highway to nearest lake).<br /><br />It sounds (to my untrained ear) that there is a killswitch or something though.<br /><br />Would appeciate any suggestions as am quite at a loss.

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Jas,<br /><br />I assume it won't start once you put it in the water? Right? Will it start at the ramp, not in the water?<br /><br />If that's the case, the backpressure may be causing you problems. That would indicate a crankcase sealing issue. Top or bottom crank seals, crankcase seal (split).

 

[djandjas]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

WOW!! Thanks for the quick reply!!.<br /><br />No it wont start on the ramp period. Gave up after 45 mins or so (and a flat battery )<br /><br />Havent tried today because of flat battery but same thing happened the day before. brought it home, stuck it back in the shed with motor down, came out 3 hours or so later and started instantly

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Jas,<br /><br />I doubt it's a fuel issue. It could very well be spark.<br /><br />Do you have spark at the ramp?<br /><br />Your trailering in the "up" position may be shorting something.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Jas..... That model is notorious for having a intermitent powerpack. Do the following test. Shouild thjis be your problem, I do have one new universal pack left in stock for that engine.<br /><br />(Battery Capacitance Dischage Powerpack Test)<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.

 

[djandjas]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Thanks djohns,<br />I didnt have a sparkplug spanner with me (added it to my tool kit last night ) so not sure.<br /><br />There is a local river only a few mins away so once the battery charges will take it down there and leave it on the trailer a try again. If it has good spark is there something else it could be?<br /><br />I get the impression it is something minor I am doing wrong but not sure what

 

[djandjas]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Thanks Joe, <br />I will try that to <br /><br />It has a fairly heavy duty marine battery. ACDelco S95D31R appently 6 mths old. 90amp, 160 reserve hours, 730 Cold cranking.

 

[DJ]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Jas,<br /><br />Sounds like Joe's got you on the right track-he IS the expert.<br /><br />Joe,<br /><br />By the way, would a 12V test light suffice in that test?

 

[djandjas]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Would I be better using a multimeter and checking the voltage?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

DJohns..... I really don't know if the normal 12v test light would work on that test or not. The small 12v flashlight type bulb info came straight from Waukegan and I just flowed with the tide. Should I ever have one to check out again, I'll give that a try just to see if it works or not.<br /><br />As I think about it, the 12v test light probably has greater resistance than that tiny bulb, and that might keep it from glowing properly.

 

[ajp]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Based on my experience with a 1969 115hp.<br /><br />2 issues:<br /><br />If you are getting "very good spark"(indicating a good powerpack) and having dry plugs, then you are probably not getting enough gas. Just because you have fuel at the carbs, it may not be getting to the cylinders. Low speed jets may be clogged and therefore no firing because of no gas. A choke that is not closeing enough. Mine has a tendency to do that and it takes a while to get gas to the cyls. If you have good spark then the ppack is fine.<br /><br />If you have weak or intermittant spark, you will foul all the plugs pretty quick, because of an amount of gas with weak spark. This is the problem I first had. I had to repair the air gap sensor which tells the ppack when to fire. <br /><br />There are several issues that can cause your problem. How about the trip shaking the throttle assembly and the ignition safety switch is off a little. Won't start if that switch is open. It thinks it is in gear. I had that problem once. <br /><br />You really need a factory service manual that will lead you step by step through the trouble shooting process. <br /><br />Don't buy a powerpack till you test it per the factory test procedures or you might waste about $300. There are too many issues. <br /><br />I also do not agree with the test procedure outlined by Joe. Just because his test showed no light doesn't mean the pack is bad. If the air gap sensor or points is/are bad or not gapped correctly the pack will not fire. If the ignition safety switch is bad the ppack will not fire. His test is about the 4th in a string of tests to check the ignition system. <br /><br />PS: If you have a manual it will tell you to BEWARE. CD motor powerpacks and coils put out enough volts to kill you. Up to 300,000. Make sure you have a manual before you play around. They are easy to fix, but not by trial and error buying parts.<br /><br />There are many variables.

 

[djandjas]

Re: Evinrude weird starting

Well ppl, it is fixed <br /><br />I wasnt getting anywhere so asked around and found a mechanic who came well recommened.<br /><br />The problem?? well the plug on the fuel line was the culprite and my ignorance. Whilst travelling the motor was getting heaps of gas because a/ it was faulty and b/ I left it connected.<br /><br />The mechanic replaced it and it started first pop. Took it down the river and away it went <br /><br />Total damage $25. inc. parts <br /><br />Thank you to all the people who replyed to this post, I very much apprecieted it. I will became a regular visitor to this site.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Jas