I have a 1989 Evinrude that has just has a new water pump installed, and the carbs rebuilt. It runs like a champ on my Boston Whaler 13' (which is a new install). However on my last trip, to the boat dock the engine was running great and then lost power. It would start and run for a few seconds the die again. It then acted as if the battery was dead and wouldn't turn over. Then suddenly the motor would act normal but not run. I pulled the cowl and saw smoke coming reom the starter area., and noticed that the starter gear was still in contact with the fly wheel. Would the solenoid not disengaging cause the loss of power after running strong for 15 minutes? Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Jim
'Taint the starter gear. That is a symptom, not the cause. You must find the cause before trying to start it again. It sounds like it siezed up for some reason. Nobody can tell you the reason from a distance. Smoke means heat. Nothing should be that hot. Try to figure out where the smoke was really coming from. Any burnt or discolored paint? Will it turn over freely now? How about with the spark plugs removed?
The smoke was from the starter. The battery wires were hot, and it will turn over, but I have not tried to start it since it was towed and trailered back home. Another question is; I have the clamp that works with a garden hose for water, but it seems that on this year engine that there is a fin in the way so theher isn't a connection point.