Need help with 15hp Evinrude

[blksmith19]

Hi folks, I'm new here and I came across this site while searching for info on-line to help me with a problem I'm having with my 15 hp Evinrude, and am hoping you folks might be able to help.

Here's my problem, the last lime I had the boat out I stoped the engine and then tried to start it about 10min later and it wouldn't start, I had been out all day and not had any problems up to this point, I Had no tools with me so I couldn't really do much, I wasn't too far from home so I started paddleing, after about 10 min of that and I tried to start it again and it lit right off went about 100 yrds and it died.

Today I decided to fire it up and see what would happen, it lit right off like it always has since the day it was new, in '92, 1-3 pulls never anymore, it ran for about 3 min and died, I checked for spark and found it has no spark on either cyl.
I checked the kill switch and it is not the problem.
I am a mechanic in lots of other areas but outboards and spark ignition and carburators are not in my areas of expertise, so if anyone could give me some advice or suggestions I would really appreciate it.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[bktheking]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Check connectors and grounds.
I'd place a guess on a failing ignition module or a bad ground or a bad wire going from the ignition module. The ignition module could be heating up and quitti ngand starts working again after it cools off, I can't see both coils failing at the same time. You've eliminated the stop switch which is usually the other suggestion. Try moving wires around that connect to the module and check for spark. As a test when the motor is cool, heat the ignition module up a bit with a hair dryer and see if spark disappears. Module is located under the flywheel on this motor. You didn't mention, is this a rope start or electric start motor?

 

[blksmith19]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Thanks for the reply and suggestions, I did check all grounds and looked over the wires as best I could but didn't try the wiggle test.
The engine didn't run long enough today to heat up the module, it ran for less than a minute before it shut down.
I will look at the wireing better and try the wiggle test tomorrow.

It's pull start, no elec. starter

 

[bktheking]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Good, it's less complicated without electric start, it's not a bad thing. There isn't much to the ignition system on the later outboards and even less complex on your model. I believe the module houses the sensor coil and powerpack so what else could go wrong? Both coils- highly doubtful, you eliminated the stop switch and unless you've got a bad wire it's almost certainly a bad module. I'm assuming you removed the ground on the stop switch to prove your theory, correct?

 

[blksmith19]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Yeah I bypassed the kill switch all together to eliminate the switch and it's wires as well.
I'm on my way out to work on it now so when I come back in I will post again and let you know where I stand.

I really appreciate your help!

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Carefully examine the backside of the module,any bubbles or cracks are a sure sine of failure.

 

[blksmith19]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Ok, I found it and I want to thank you guys for your help and suggestions, I really appreciate it!!
It was a wire that goes under the flywheel, it had been nibbled on, most likely a little field mouse looking for a winter home, it was in an obscure location so I couldn't see it on my first inspection but when I did the wiggle test I was able to find it.
Little piece of heatshrink tubeing and we're back in business.
I found a couple other spots where he nibbled but nothing important.
The little bare spot on the wire was just enough so that if the harness got moved just a hair or when there was a little vibration the wire would touch just perfectly to ground it out, acting like the kill sw was engaged.

I was looking around on line for some parts and just out of curiosity I looked up the ign mod which is $120 the coils are $30 ea and the real kick in azz is the kill sw $97......really glad I found that wire

Thanks again,
Jeff

 

[bktheking]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

2 things, glad you found it and glad you took the time to figure it out. So many people working on these motors just go out and spend a pile of money without actually figure out whats wrong, a bare wire will play havoc on ignition systems. The ignition module you can't really avoid the $$$ if they go, coils can be had aftermarket or used, kill switch either used or fab one using a $2 momentary switch.



Cheers

 

[blksmith19]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Well like I said in my first post, I am a mechanic but I specialize in diesels, equipment, trucks, tractors, marine diesels from pleasure craft to comercial fishing vessels to ITB's and freighters.
A lot of that includes electronics and complicated electrical systems.
When it comes to gas engines I can hold my own but outboards I just have issues with, I don't know why but they are my kryptonite, as much as I love them I just can't seem to be able to conquer them.
This was really rare for me to find and fix a problem this fast and easy is just amazing.

I really appreciate the help.
Jeff

 

[bktheking]

Re: Need help with 15hp Evinrude

Ya I get ya, outboards are a whole different beast with powerpacks and timer bases and and and, I'm still learning the in's and out's too.