two issues with 1993 50hp - periodic no fire and slower top speed

[JB40jet]

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am having two issues with my E50JERE motor. First, just this year it seems to periodically not spark. At the beginning of the season, we could get it to start. We pulled the plugs and there was no spark. We put them back in and after a few more time trying it fired up. The few times we've been out this spring, sometimes it would start fine, other times it wouldnt even try. There didnt seem to be any pattern to it, i.e. cold versus hot. Last spring we couldnt get any fire, so I replaced the ignition coil (Johnson, Evinrude, GLM 183-3740 Dual-Output Coil - CDI Electronics - iboats). the Coil cost about 90 dollars. That fixed last years issue immediately. Any ideas what could be the issue?

The other issue I am having is the motor seems to have lost power or speed gradually over the past three years. It is a jet so I really notice because im not as high out of the water as I used to be with the same weight in the boat. I'm thinking this may be carb related because there have been times where it seems a float might be stuck unitl suddenly it would break free and take off. I've run seafoam throught he gas and swapped out for new gas several times. This seemed to help the what I assume is a float sticking, but I still cant solve the power/speed problem. For those familiar with jets, the impeller and sleeve are basically in the shape they were a few years ago, so I dont think that is the issue.

Any advice on either issue would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Watermann]

Re: two issues with 1993 50hp - periodic no fire and slower top speed

Firing problem sounds like it could be the infamous intermittent bad power pack syndrome. I too fell prey to it and had to replace mine which acted in a very similar manner. After replacing the power pack see if the other problem persists.

 

[Rick.]

Re: two issues with 1993 50hp - periodic no fire and slower top speed

Firing problem sounds like it could be the infamous intermittent bad power pack syndrome. I too fell prey to it and had to replace mine which acted in a very similar manner. After replacing the power pack see if the other problem persists.

Same thing happened to my 40HP but the colder the ambient air was the harder to start. Once started it would start all day. Late in the fall (approx 45 F.) it failed totally. The running slow part could be you impeller for the jet pump. A few thousands of wear on it can cause the boat to not even plane. Do you have an tach. to go by or just sound? Best of luck. Rick.

 

[JB40jet]

Re: two issues with 1993 50hp - periodic no fire and slower top speed

I don't have a tack or mph I'm going be sound and comparing speed to my brothers boat. The boats and engines aren't the same but historically Iwas always faster but now he passes me. I don't think it's the impeller, but I went ahead and sharpened it and shimmed it down anyway. Mu dad and i had it out yesterday and it started and ran good but still slow. It would seem to load up on take off and then take a longer time to plane. The engine doesn't sound like its fully opening up like it used to. I plan on taking it to a mechanic this week so I was just hoping this forum could educate me. If the carbs need to be rebuilt could this cause my issue? I'm leaning towards doing that but don't want to waste my money. Even if it doesn't solve the speed issue I image it is over do maintenance. Thanks so much in advance for any ideas anyone has.