Here is a strange electrical starting problem for you to take a stab at

[clifton63]

I have a 1997 Evinrude Ocean Pro 200. I have always had this hard start problem for which I thought was fuel issue, but upon recent troubleshooting (using factory manual), I discovered it was ignition related. Here is the strange part:

When the engine is Cold, it will not deliver a spark while cranking. I then disconnect the powerpack ground AND kill wire ground (these are the 2 wires that are grounded with a nut and stud right on top of the plastic powerpack), I then have spark. Then I re-connect the 2 ground wires and then have spark. I just don't get it. It will start and run fine the rest of the day once started and warmed. I bench tested key switch, it is fine.

Any good problem solvers and theorist out there?

[Daviet]

Will it start with only the black/yellow disconnected? Make sure all the ground connections are clean and tight.

[clifton63]

I can try that by removing the kill circuit ground and leaving the powerpack ground. This is really strange. Any other ideas?

[Daviet]

The kill circut should ground through the power pack, disconnect the the black/yellow wire before the power pack and see what happens. If it starts and runs properly I would look at the kill circut for a ground, if it does start you will have to choke it off.

[daselbee]

Clif...
Move both ground wires to the top coil mounting screw for #1 cylinder. If your brass bushing in the powerpack mounting hole is gone, you are not getting a good PP ground.

[clifton63]

Clif...
Move both ground wires to the top coil mounting screw for #1 cylinder. If your brass bushing in the powerpack mounting hole is gone, you are not getting a good PP ground.

Hi Doug,
I FIXED IT!!!! This is a intermittent starting problem that has been plaguing me since I had the boat even before the rebuild. The powerpack ground wire connector (the eyelet that screws on the top powerpack mounting ground bolt) had some corrosion between the wire and the crimp on the connector. It was very faint to see. In my little test today I removed the two ground wires one at a time...no spark...then replaced the ground wires one at a time, trying to start each time...no spark...both ground wires together...no spark. Then I really looked hard at the connector and saw a little corrosion where the wire crimps into the eyelet. I cut the old eyelet off and crimped in a new one....Fired right up!!!

By the way, I am passed my break period on the rebuild on my motor and it runs FANTASTIC!!! Thanks for your help!!

[Daviet]

Glad you got your problem fixed.