Re: Power pack for evinrude ?
NOTE: In testing for spark, the engine must turn over at least 300 rpm. A slower cranking rpm will result in weak or no spark.
First, look under the flywheel at the ring stator which is the beginning of the igniion system. If there's a sticky looking substance dripping down from either the extreme front or rear portion of it down upon the timer base and powerhead, that would result in a voltage drop to the powerpack which would cause erratic, weak, and eventually no ignition (spark). If this dripping exists, replace the stator.
Spark test: Remove spark plugs, rig a tester so that you can have the spark jump a 7/16" gap. Crank engine and observe spark. No spark?.... disconnect the large RED electrical connector at the engine, then crank the engine by jumping the solenoid and again observe the spark. If you now have spark with that connector disconnected but no spark with it connected, the problem is usually a shorted ignition switch in which case replace the switch.
If the stator checks out okay (not dripping), and the above RED plug test results in no spark either way.... you can pretty well be assured that the powerpack has failed.
(Spark Tester - Home Made)
(J. Reeves)
A spark tester can be made with a piece of 1x4 or 1x6, drive a few finishing nails through it, then bend the pointed ends at a right angle. You can then adjust the gap by simply twisting the nail(s). Solder a spark plug wire to one which you can connect to the spark plug boots, and a ground wire of some kind to the other to connect to the powerhead somewhere. Use small alligator clips on the other end of the wires to connect to ground and to the spark plug connector that exists inside of the rubber plug boot.
Using the above, one could easily build a spark tester whereas they could connect 2, 4, 6, or 8 cylinders all at one time. The ground nail being straight up, the others being bent, aimed at the ground nail. A typical 4 cylinder tester follows:
..........X1..........X2
.................X..(grd)
..........X3..........X4
