20hp Evinrude problems

Hi all

New here.

I was out yesterday with boat and Evinrude 20 hp.
Everything was fine till it seemed to cough a bit and lost power . I slowly got back to shore on what i think was only one cylinder !!
Any ideas please would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Dave

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

Please post the year and model # of the outboard.

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

Hi ,

Not sure on the year but the model is --

BE 20B FL CUR

Thanks

Dave

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

Done some research on -line and it states its 1987

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

Guess i am by myself on this one !!

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

start at the basics, check spark if you have spark on both, check compression. it has only one carb so it would effect both cylinders.

Re: 20hp Evinrude problems

Sir:
A couple of things could cause the symptoms you described.
First thought, a dropped electrode tip on the non-firing cylinder. What do the spark plugs look like? A nice grey color on both base and tip? That's good if so. Spark plug tips properly gapped? Plug electrode not "cupped"? A "cupped" electrode looks like a tiny bit of the bent over part of the plug has been eaten away by the spark. A black plug tip indicates a way - over- rich fuel mixture. A pale grey color indicates too lean a mix. If your engine dropped off an electrode tip, you'll need to get that tiny piece of metal out of the cylinder before it scores the cylinder walls or breaks piston rings. Don't count on the tip having been tossed out through the exhaust, if you're wrong you just spent some serious money.
Next thought, a cracked ignition wire or a bad ignition wire connection. Check to see if one of those are your issue.
Next thought, one of the two sets of points has fallen out of proper clearance. Pull the flywheel and see if the points are set properly. 20 thou is what you want.
Good luck.
Gary