Re: Power Pak for 85 hp Evinrude
BigDan..... Your ignition system (powerpack) is what is called a "Magneto Capacitance Dischage" system, and as its name indicates, it is not dependent on a battery.<br /><br />The power to the pack is derived from a stator under the flywheel that supplies 300 volts AC to the pack where it is converted to DC. Bottom line is that the engine would run without a battery but don't do that as damage to the charging system would result.<br /><br />And yes, you are correct that a powerpack should last quite a few years, not a few hours. I strongly suspect that a slight short exists somewhere (most likely the ignition switch), and voltage is being applied to the Black wire that has a Yellow Stripe which connects to the powerpack.<br /><br />Remove that wire, hook up a voltmeter (black lead to ground, red to the black/yellow wire) and set it to its lowest DC voltage reading. If the needle doesn't move, turn the key on. If the needle moves when you turn the key on, replace the ignition switch.<br /><br />If it moved without turning the key on, a short exists that doesn't pertain to the ignition switch which is going to be a case of, disconect this, disconect that, until you find the source. Good luck.....<br /><br />OB.....
ReevesJ32@aol.com is my e-mail address, not my web site(grin). I don't have a web site.
