Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

swmohunter

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Apr 2, 2010
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10
First I would like to say, please excuse my ignorance.

I have a 1973 Evinrude 25hp model 25353 tiller steer. I would like to start by saying before I changed the ignition switch, the motor had not been giving me any trouble getting started (except once in frigid weather).

I had to replace the ignition switch the other day due to the key breaking off in the ignition. (Here is where the ignorant part comes in) I tried to replace it with an auto ignition switch. I found out after trying to start the motor several times that I needed a marine ignition switch. I have since replaced it with a marine ignition switch (same make/model as the one that was working to begin with) and am certain that I have the wires connected correctly.

The motor will turn over just fine but it will not fire.

My question would be, could I have burnt up, shorted out, or destroyed any parts while using the auto ignition? If so, where would I need to start as far as looking for what damage I may have caused?

As you can tell, I am new to marine problem solving.

I also know that I need a manual and have one coming. What better way to learn than to learn by making mistakes, right?

Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.

Nathan
 

tashasdaddy

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Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

disconnect the black yellow wire, that is the kill wire.
 

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tootallofwa

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Feb 20, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

If the ignition wire to the coil got powered then you fried the coil. (kill wire)
 

swmohunter

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Apr 2, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Thank you for your replies.

tashasdaddy
When I was reading up on this process I read a lot about the wiring. That was part of my confusion. The only wires I have are Red, White, 2 Solid Black and Green. I still have the old switch and marked what went where before I took it off. There are 5 terminals on the switch marked S, M, M, B, and A.

The green wire is not connected to anything on either end (was told it was for the auto choke, which I do not have).

As far as the black wires, one runs to the back of the motor to the coils and the other goes up under the fly wheel. When disconnecting the kill switch wire, I am guessing that would be the one that goes under neath the fly wheel.

tootallofwa
I can't say for sure if the coil got power to it, but it is possibility. I see that there are two separate coils on the rear of the motor that one of the black wires go to. Is this what you are referring too. For this particular motor, will they be hard to find. It appears that they would be easy enough to replace.

Thanks again for your replies. This being my first motor, I have learned a lot in a short amount of time, thanks to this forum in particular.

Nathan
 

swmohunter

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Apr 2, 2010
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Any other thoughts?
 

swmohunter

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Apr 2, 2010
Messages
10
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Thanks tashasdaddy. I am pretty sure the wiring is good at this point. I am thinking my issues are coming from another source. I am new to this an d will be double checking the wiring just to make sure.

Nathan
 

swmohunter

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Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

If one coil is burnt up is it fair to say that all of them will be burnt up?
 

14ftgrumman

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 19, 2008
Messages
416
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

On my 72's, the black are the kill wires, one for each set of points. Disconnect them and see what happens. If it starts kill the engine by choking it, then start looking for the engine kill position on the starter switch.

Will it start by using the recoil? Is the battery fully charged?
 

swmohunter

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Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

The battery is fully charged and I can not get it started with the pull start.

I have tried to just touch the red and white wire together (leaving the black wires not connected to anything) and it will do the same thing. Turns over, but will not fire.

Thanks for all the replies and help so far!
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start

The switch electrically connects the two black wires (M terminals) together to kill the motor. If it has no spark with the two black wires disconnected, the switch is not the problem.

I don't quite understand what you are saying about the wires. The two black wires should go to the two external coils. There should be other (blue??) wires going from ther to under the flywheel.

Whatever, you probably fried something with your car switch. Probably either the driver coil or melted one of the breker points' springs. Either would kill the spark on both cylinders.
 

swmohunter

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Apr 2, 2010
Messages
10
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

Well, I went to the original owner and had help going through the motor. The good news is the wiring is correct and the marine ignition switch is good.

The bad news is when I had the auto ignition switch hooked up, it burnt up just about everything electrical. I am going to need new coils, points, condensers, etc etc etc.

Thank you for all the helpful info. It is just frustrating knowing that if I would have put the correct switch on it in the first place it could have all been avoided. Live and learn. I suppose this means I am well on my way to restoring this older motor. At least all the electrical components will be new.
 

swmohunter

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Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

I suppose I will ask where would I need to start looking for 2 coils and a stator for my motor? Are new parts a must, or will used parts work just as well?
 

timdan94

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 23, 2008
Messages
480
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

I know when I replaced the ignition switch on my force outboard it wouldn't start either. I switched the way the wires were hooked up on the m terminals and bingo it fired.
 

swmohunter

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Joined
Apr 2, 2010
Messages
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Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

Well, everything under the fly wheel is toast. Everything under there has been burnt pretty bad, wires melted, and smells like burnt rubber. I don't think I have a chance at getting it started the way it sits at this point.
 

CATransplant

Admiral
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Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Replaced ignition, now won't start **Update**

Sorry to hear that. Replace it all with new parts. It's not that expensive, really. You'll be starting fresh. When you do, use wires that match the original colors, too. Otherwise, you'll get fouled up at some point doing the wiring again. Take your time and get it all done correctly.
 
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