loss of power/no idle

[marty5030]

I have a 1990 Evinrude 150. It was running fine about 3/4 to 7/8 throttle and then started to slow down. No noises or rough running was associated with this loss of power. I tried to give it more gas but no response. I put it in neutral and it died. I could restart it, but only if I had 3/4 throttle and it would idle about 1500 to 2000 rpm. if I put it in neutral it died. I could not get it in gear because it would die too quickly. I had to be towed back to the dock (thank you friendly fellow fisherman!)

I checked the gas tank (over 15 gallons), the oil reservoir (over 2/3 full) the spark plugs for all 6 cylinders looked the same (no carbon build up or metal).

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Marty

 

[jonesg]

Re: loss of power/no idle

did it overheat?
do a compression test.
spark test.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: loss of power/no idle

agree, start with the basics, compression and spark check with a tester, should jump 7/16 inch. give us the results.

 

[marty5030]

Re: loss of power/no idle

I will test and post results tomorrow.

 

[marty5030]

Re: loss of power/no idle

cylinders 1, 3, and 5 all 95 and 2, 4, and 6 all 90. The motor was cold and I cranked for about 4 seconds.

I had this motor rebuilt 2 years ago (new power head and oil pump). I am not sure about other components being new or rebuilt.

What should I check next?

Thanks again.

 

[marty5030]

Re: loss of power/no idle

I was able to get spark this morning on all six, but last night only on #2 (maybe didn't crank long enough and tester set to 7/16) This morning got spark easily on all but #5 so i switched plug wires and got spark, but then I hooked up the "bad wire" and it sparked so I dont think it is bad.

I will test lower unit on Sunday and maybe try to run it too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: loss of power/no idle

are you running salt water, check all connections for corrosion, that may be why you thought you had a bad plug wire.

 

[marty5030]

Re: loss of power/no idle

only been in clean fresh water reservoirs. I will check connections though.

 

[marty5030]

Re: loss of power/no idle

I checked all connections and look good. Tested spark plugs too and found inconsitancies with spark. Some cylanders worked, then not. Then others wouldnt when I I got good results earlier. This was the case when I tested with a spark tester earlier. Is this a powerpack issue or something else?

Oh sorry forgot to mention oil looked ok with not water or milky look, but top screw had some metal shavings magnetized to it. About as much as a stripped screw head would make.