Evinrude 48SPL No Spark

Hey gang, I'm hoping someone out there can point me in the right direction here. I recently purchased a 1990 Carolina Skiff with a 1990 Evinrude 48SPL engine on it, model # E48ESLESA serial # G02508222.<br />The previous owner told me he was selling because of lack of time to use the boat. It idled a little rough when I went to see the boat but seemed to rev up fine. I took it out for the first time a couple of days ago and it didn't want to idle or run at full throttle. It sounded like it was bogging down and refused to push the boat at full speed. I pulled the plugs this morning and noticed that the plug on the lower cylinder looks brand new. No carbon at all. I don't think the lower cylinder is firing. I just ordered a shop manual but will be a week or two before it arrives. Any ideas as to where I should start in fixing this problem ? Any info or suggestions will be much appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,Steve

Re: Evinrude 48SPL No Spark

A compression test is a good idea.Then,while this thing is running in the water use your timeing light to check ignition at each plug by pointing the light at your face.Generally when things have been put up for awhile the problems will be with carbs.Those can also make this engine run on only one cylinder.To isolate that problem get a spray bottle from the paint store kinda like you would see window cleaner in and fill it up with your fuel mix.Remove the airbox cover from in front of you carbs ,and then ,with someone you trust at the helm,motor across the lake. At the problem RPM give one of those carbs a shot of that fuel mix and see if things change for the better .If so time for a carb clean and rebuild.

Re: Evinrude 48SPL No Spark

Thanks a bunch Hondon. I'll give it a try and see what happens. Steve