lost in ignition problem

[macguyverr]

I am absolutely at my wits end with this problem. I posted last weekend about my spark problem on my 1973 115 evinrude. I have great spark on #3, weak spark on #1, and no spark on #'s 2 & 4. The sensor coils ohm out at 12 and 13 ohms which according to my manual should be between 10 and 20, but I do not get the .05V at the pack. The stator voltage at the pack is suposed to be around 300V and I get around 249V. The stator should ohm out at aprox. 500 ohms and I get like 835 this is the same on or off the pack. Now I checked the coil voltage at the pack and even on the #3 which has very good arc could not get the 150V as the manual says. I am trying to eliminate the need to buy every ignition component to fix this problem. Please Help! Thanks !

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: lost in ignition problem

For a proper spark test...... The engine must crank over with at least 300 rpms in order for the stator to properly energize/charge the powerpack capacitor. The spark plugs must be removed. The battery, electric starter, and obviously all cables etc must be in good condition, clean and tight.<br /><br />A slow cranking engine will not generate the proper spark which would be a..... Strong blue lightning like flame that will jump a 7/16" gap, a real SNAP!<br /><br />Under what conditions are you checking the spark?

 

[macguyverr]

Re: lost in ignition problem

Hey Joe! Thanks for replying. I do not have the plugs out and am cranking at at least 300 RPM. I do have wonderful spark on the #3 cyl. It is bright blue and jumps better than 7/16" and a weak spark on #1. What are your thoughts on the stator ohms of around 835? My manual syas it should be about 500 ohms and i've checked it at the pack and off the pack. Sensor coils at least ohm out within the right range.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: lost in ignition problem

Remove the spark plugs and retry the spark test. It's highly unlikely that you'll actually hit 300 rpm with them installed..... possible but unlikely.<br /><br />I don't have a book on the 1973 model 115hp but my 1976 book states a reading of 630 +/- 75 ohms, between the brown wire and brown/yellow wire. The wires must be disconnected when you check them, otherwise you'll be taking other components in with that reading.<br /><br />If the stator is cracked and leaking a sticky substance down onto the timer base and block, replace it regardless of what the readings are.

 

[macguyverr]

Re: lost in ignition problem

Thanks Joe. I will remove the plugs and check again. I did find some goo on the back of block, but my stator is encased in a black case and for the life of me I cannot see where it would have leaked from so I wrote it off as and old leak. My manual says to check voltage at the pack for aprox. 300 or 500 v and if I get a low reading to check terminals at same location on pack with the wires removed. It then goes on to say that if readings this way are off tyhe scale it my be the stator, but I get no reading at the terminals with the wires removed. What do you think?

 

[macguyverr]

Re: lost in ignition problem

Well I may not be worthy! I can't beleive my lack of common sense. I pulled all plugs and presto!, I have good spark on all four cyls. I re-checked the stator peak voltage at the pack with the plugs out and I get only 272V. I could not however determine the ohms on the stator leads precisely as my multi-meter is the auto-range type and cannot make heads or tails of the reading. Any advise on why I would have good spark on all cyls now,($#*@++) and the stator be bad? Am I missing something? Again, The sensor coils ohm ok and good spark on all 4.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: lost in ignition problem

Having the proper spark now makes all readings pretty much a moot thing. However, although that stator may be a new stator, I would go to the trouble to inspect it visually just in case it may be cracked and leaking in a remote spot.<br /><br />Many stators, when first starting to fail (cracked/leaking) will provide spark when cold but break down when hot.<br /><br />Be sure to torque the flywheel nut to 105 foot pounds.