Starting Problem

[SkipMoss]

Have a 1972 65 Hspr. Evinrude. Replaced the solonoid, and the two wires going to the small terminal broke off, due to the age of the motor. Traced the wires, one went to the safety switch, the other to the ignition and replaced them. Engine cranks fine but won't start. Mechanic is leading me along in the process to discover the problem. Last step was to disconnect the motor cable assembly,and leaving everything else connected to take a set of pliers, and go from the positive cable to the small terminal on the side, and start the engine. Nothing happened. Know the positive cable is fine-Thanks-Skip

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Starting Problem

By disconnecting the main harness, you disabled the kill circuit. You eliminated the remote control as a possibility for no spark. So now you can concentrate on the motor.<br /><br />I'm fairly sure 1972 was the first year after the amplifier ignition system nightmare years. It should have a CDI ignition system. The battery doesn't supply the power for the spark. It comes from essentially an electronic magneto. It produces it's own electricity by the movement of magnets in the flywheel over a set of coils designated for the ignition system only. Chances are your CD pack is bad. There's no way to test those with common tools. So you're stuck with eliminating the other components first to see if they're bad. If everything else checks okay, then the pack is bad by a process of elimination.<br /><br />You'll be testing the coils, stator and the triggers, probably with an ohmmeter. You can test the coils, but chances of all 3 being bad are slim. It might be a good idea to check your public library for a manual. Many have them. Then you can follow along with the process your mechanic is helping you through. Good luck.