V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one cyl

crstrode

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Joined
Jul 2, 2003
Messages
8
Do I have this straight??<br /><br />One sensor is for cylinder 1 and 3.<br />The other sensor is for cylinders 2 and 4.<br /><br />Each sensor generates a differeent pulse depending upon the polarity of the magnet as it passes by, therefore, the single sensor can deliver two different pulses.<br /><br />If I am getting good spark on all but cylinder #3, then the sensor is probably OK, since cylinder #1 is working fine.<br /><br />IS this correct??<br /><br />I have a known good plug, and a brand new coil installed. Still no spark on #3 only.<br /><br />Next step is to install a new power pack.<br /><br />Note: the motor runs great with the exception of only three cylilinders firing.<br />Once in a while after motoring for a few minutes under load the #3 cylinder will kick in for a second or so, then nothing. <br />This behaviour is exactly as it was before I changed the suspect coil. <br />This tells me that the new coil is working, and the old one probably was also.<br /><br />Any tips or advice?
 

clanton

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Jul 9, 2001
Messages
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Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

You are correct about the sensor, your engine, depending on year. Sounds like power pack, shorted wires, or loose screw, if termial pack.
 

zj-jeepster

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May 27, 2003
Messages
116
Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

crstrode,<br />what year engine you got. mine's a 1974 V4 85HP. I was running only on 3 cylinders also. I changed coils and power pack and still only running on 3 cylinders. I followed some of the more experienced guy's advice here and took off the motor cover at night and started it up. the dead cylinder was arcing really strong to the hex part of the spark plug. the white insulator was like black from the arcing. I redid the plug wire and new rubber boots and now she's running all four. just my experience. this a cheap and easy diagnosis to start. hope this helps you. good luck.
 

crstrode

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Jul 2, 2003
Messages
8
Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Left out some info:<br /><br />The motor is a 1977 model. <br /><br />The new coil came with a new plug wire, and boot. I tightened all the screws on the existing power pack when I installed the new coil.<br /><br />I have not yet measured the resistance of the 1-3 sensor coil. As I understand it, I must disconnect the two wires conming from the sensor at the power pack, then measure the resistance between the wires (labeled sensor 1 and sensor 3). As I recall, sensor lead resistance should be around 6 to 10 ohms.<br /><br />Thanks for the replies folks! I've got a new power pack ready to install and will do so this weekend.
 

zj-jeepster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 27, 2003
Messages
116
Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

please post back after you get it all sorted out. as I have the same vintage engine as yours. it's nice to know what you have done. thanks.
 

crstrode

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Joined
Jul 2, 2003
Messages
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Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

Re: V4 timing base sensors - is this how they work? 85 HP evinrude no spark one

BUMP
 
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