Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

[Mike Langianese]

1992 150HP Evinrude with NO spark<br /><br />Went to OutboardRepair.com and reviewed their trouble shooting instructions as recommended in an earlier post.<br />

6) '92-'96 Looper units with optical triggers: <br /> Note: These units require special spark plugs and the GRAY spark plug wires.

My engine has Black spark plug wires, Is it recommended to put new "gray" wires on the engine?

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

When I bought these engines they were not running well at all. Broker installed "new" spark plugs, autolite Non-Resistor, auto plugs. Changed out with the proper Champion and both ran fine. So I am wondering if some previous work is causing some issues...<br /><br />Is there a difference in spark plug wires?<br /><br />Gray vs Black?<br /><br />Same trouble shooting guide also states do NOT use a maintance free battery on these engines because they can fry the powerpacks.<br /><br />Has anyone have any experience with this (two new maintance free batteries on the boat and just installed a onboard charger to keep them topped off )

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

It was in 93 or '94 that they came out with the resistance grey wires. It is best to use them on all 60 degree motos. Be sure you are using only the QL78YC plugs, gapped at .030" for best drivability. Originally they came with QL77JC4, but that recommendation was changed in '95.<br /><br />YOur motor has the full-wave rectification and regulation so a maintenance battery is fine for that motor. It was the un-regulated systems that the maintenance free battery was not recommended.<br /><br />The battery does not affect the ignition system as it is magneto powered, not by the battery.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

Seahorse,<br /><br />Thanks for the heads up I was afraid that I screwed up putting new batteries in. <br /><br />Is there any advantage in putting new "gray" wires on this 1992 engine?<br />I am having intermittent spark (one time it starts and runs like a top and the next No spark at all) and am in the process of trying to track down the cause.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

Chances are it is the pack and/or the "electric eye" sensor. You need diagnostic equipment to find out for sure. If it is the pack, replace the plug wires and "eye" with it.<br /><br />Look for cracked or arcing coils where they mount to the metal plate. RFI will affect the ignition system. The wrong plugs will affect ignition also.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

Even though I had the Key and Kill Switches replaced I will run the “stop circuit test” to be sure nothing is shorting to ground from the Key to the engine. We also removed the Neutral Safety Switch from the circuit to eliminate it as a possible problem.<br /><br />Since the engine either gets spark and starts; or not; if the problem is with the Shift Switch wouldn’t it at least try to start??? <br />Any ideas on this?<br /><br />Definitely check for any grounded/ worn wiring and cracked or arcing coils.<br /><br />What tests can be done without the OMC Ignition Analyzer (part # 434017)?<br />Optical sensor trigger is $60 and power packs are $161, I haven’t been able to locate the analyzer on line yet, what can I expect to pay for the tester?<br /><br />Thanks again for you input

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

Just checked another manual and if I understand it correctly the 1992 engines did not have the shift switch.<br />Is this correct?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

They came out with a shift kit for the '91 and '92 motors that could be installed if a customer had shifting complaints.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

I plan to start trouble shooting the electrical later this week. <br />My understanding is that the original power pacs on the 1992 engines were “black sleeved” and later upgraded to Gray (also using the gray plug wires). And the OMC replacement for the black ones were Blue (warranty service?). If Both Pacs are Black and only one is bad can I replace only one or must I do it in pairs; same question for the optical eye. If a pac is bad does the eye need to be upgraded to match I assume a new gray pac?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

If Both Pacs are Black and only one is bad can I replace only one or must I do it in pairs; same question for the optical eye. If a pac is bad does the eye need to be upgraded to match I assume a new gray pac? [/QB]

A 60 degree motor only has 1 pack and 1 "electric eye" sensor. If you replace a pack, replace the "eye" also for best results. The new "eyes" have different and better electronics inside them.

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

I went to the CDI Electronics page for their trouble shooting info, they sell the Pack, eye and gray wires as a kit, they say that you also need to put in a new Stator to perserve the warranty. Local Evinrude dealer says not necessary to replace the stator and CDI only wants a few more dollars.<br /><br />Does the stator also need replacing if upgrading to the newer gray sleeved packs and eye?<br /><br />thanks,<br /><br />Mike

 

[Mike Langianese]

Re: Gray sparkplug wires VS Black

Received my Peak Reading Voltmeter adaptor for the DVM replaced the sparkplug wires and started troubleshooting the system. Found that the yellow w/red tracer ( at 5-pin connector at powerpack) was only getting 9 volts when cranking engine. Cleaned all and replaced one battery cable. Voltage to yellow w/red tracer up to 11 volts and engine starts and runs on muffs well.<br />Try to get it on the water this week and really run it; hoping that will do it and not need to do the optical sensor and power-packs.<br /><br />Thanks for your help.<br /><br />Mike