No Spark

[gwetzell]

I was wondering the bestway to see if I am getting spark? I knew my starter was bad, and was told if the starter isn't any good I would not get spark as the flywheel would not turn fast enough. I put a new starter on and still don't seem to have spark. I would like to check and see for sure though. I have a 1974 Evinrude 135. Somebody told em you can not check it like a car because it is a negative ground system. Is this true? Please any help would be greatly appreciated. The motor turns over fine and has plenty of compression. I was wondering if maybe the field coils or the stator is bad or dirty. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank You very much.<br /><br /> Gary

 

[Backlash]

Re: No Spark

Hey Gary,<br />The BEST way to check it out is with a spark tester, a tool to which all plug wires are connected & grounded with an adjustable gap for the spark to jump. You should see a crisp blue/white spark jump a 3/8" gap while cranking the motor. Without the tester, remove the plug wire and hold it near the head, crank the engine & observe the spark. It's a good idea to only disconnect one plug wire at a time when using this method. If you have no spark on any of the cylinders, check the easy things first, i. e., kill switch and/or ignition switch. Hope this helps.<br />Backlash

 

[S.T. Marine]

Re: No Spark

Could do it the old fashion way without new tools. have someone hold the end of the wire and pull it over... ask him if he or she got shocked... That will tell you!!!!! Works great on little motors below 5hp after that it tingles a little bit.... good prank though

 

[gwetzell]

Re: No Spark

I did not think a 1974 Evinrude had a kill switch. If I am mistaken please could you let me know where it is located? Also, I replaced the starter and cleaned all of the grounds for the coils and battery ground and still have no spark. Should there be spark at the power pack at the coils when the key is turned to the on position? I was thinking that maybe the the stator or the field coils might be bad. I just do not know what else to check before I pull the flywheel. I was thinking the stator might have corrosion on it since the boat was ran in salt water. I do not know that much about outboard motors please help.