1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

[Capt. Bob]

I have a low hour engine that I took out for a spin this weekend. When I throttled back to idle the engine stopped. When I checked for spark and fuel I found that I had no spark. I have no spark when the engine is hot or cold. I don't think it is the power pack.<br />Can anyone point me in the right direction?<br />Thanks Capt. Bob

 

[Franki]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Hi Mr Capt Bob...<br /><br />Welcome to the list.. (wanted to be the first to say that to someone since I got here <br /><br />Now, to the problem.. have you checked that power is actually getting to the motor when the key (ignition)is on? do you have a test light that you can test this with?? since you say you have no spark, I am guessing it turns over ok.. so it probably has power.. what I have done in the past is to immediatly check all connections, one corroded connection can naff up the whole show.. but start testing at the ignition feed and work your way backwards.. but no spark at all sounds like either a fuse gone, the ignition key dead.. or a fubar powerpack.. If I remember correctly, there is a fuse on the wiring on the back.. but I can't remember the color of the wire its on.. <br /><br />hopefully Schematic is still on the list today. he is abit of a legend with this stuff and can probably rattle off a dozen things to test of the top of his head... <br /><br />rgds<br /><br />Frank<br /><br />just want to make sure its not something simple before you start pulling things apart..<br /><br />I have an outboard of similiar vintage and I just had to replace my powerpack.. very expensive.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Hi Capt. Bob <br />>did you check the lanyard (if any)?<br />>did you check for spark on all cylinders?<br /><br />>try starting it with the black/yellow wire on the pack disconnected (this will eliminate a possible grounded kill circuit)<br /><br />>try starting it with the rectifier disconnected<br /><br />*if the above doesn't work, time to check the trigger and charge voltages. If the voltages check OK.....its the pack. If the voltages are bad.......its a winding or magnet issue.<br />

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Great stuff guys...The ignition switch is a five lug and a little confusing as to which one powers the ignition. I havent been able to properly test it yet. I did remove the black/yellow from the power pack and it still had no spark. It doesn't have spark on any of the 3 cylinders. I turned her over in the dark and have no spark leaks. Should I have 12 volts at #6 black/yellow on the pack with the ignition switch on? I need to eliminate the switch first.<br />Thanks for all of the help!<br />Capt. Bob

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Hi <br />This system doesn't require system voltage. Its a stand alone CD ignition. The switch is out of the picture if you disconnected the B/Y at the pack. Onward with checking voltages. You'll need a special peak reading meter or adapter for a digital multimeter.....

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

A progress update:<br />Since I don't have a peak reading voltage meter but only a digital multimeter I did a stator and rectifier test reading ohms using my shop manual for reference. The stator is leaking varnish at two of the coils but tests ok according to the book. The rectifier tests bad. <br />Searching and reading further I found that a battery with either low or high voltage can cause failure or malfunction of the system. I had a low battery when I started the cruise and thought it would charge up.<br />My questions now are...can a rectifier cause me to not have any spark?<br />Did the low battery cause the rectifier to fail?<br />If I replace the rectifier and battery that won't hold a full charge, can I expect to have spark again?<br />Thanks for all of the help!

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

I would disconnect the stator leads from the rectifier and try starting with a good battery. If it starts, you know that the rectifier caused the issue.....(yes, it can cause this) <br /><br />Yes a low battery can be hard on a charging system.

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Ok...disconnected the rectifier added a good battery and....no spark. I disconnected b/y at the pack and...no spark. I guess I will have to invest in a DVA adapter to be able to test more. Any ideas on how to test the pack without going the neon test route? Or is it manditory to test it with an S-80 or M80 test light?<br />Any more ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

I'd be checking the trigger and charge voltage next. It might be in your best interest to tow it to your local wrench and have them check it. Or if you are adventurous, buy a DVA adapter. The nice thing about your local wrench is that they may spot something you missed and may save you buying a pack for nothing....

 

[Capt. Bob]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

I don't know the forum's etiquite for posting a follow up on my engine. I hope it is ok to bring this back up to the top. <br /> <br /> I now have spark! A local shop tested the ignition circuit and found a bad pack. I was able to test a few things with the help of members and discovered a bad rectifier. Both were replaced by the mechanic for $30. labor. Parts were only a few dollars more than I would have paid over the net. A happy ending!<br />Thanks to Bob at Dekalb Marine in Atlanta and the members that offered solutions.

 

[hltenterprises]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

Capt Bob <br />Glad to see someone else close by has a 73 rude 65 hp. I am running into the same problems you had. Have you got yours fixed yet? You ever get down around Macon? <br />Hugh

 

[BelchingBohemian]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

I am having identical problems with my 65 Evinrude Triumph not sure if it is 72 or 73. I am getting no spark at the plugs. Engine quit on me last time out after never reving fully, and will not restart. Usually runs perfect. Pushes a 15 ft McKee Craft about 42MPH. Always charged battery prior to use. <br /><br />Questions: <br />1) Where do I find serial number so I can find out year model. I will follow the recommendations once I have a manual. <br />2) The only manuals that I have found so far stop at 1972, and the next version starts at 1973. If I can not find out year model, does it matter which version I use? <br />3) This one may not be for this forum, but can seals/o-rings be replaced in tilt/trim cylinders? If so, how difficult is this?<br /><br />Thanks for the opportunity to ask.

 

[OldJohnson60]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

I have a no spark condition on my 3 cylinder as well. I just read this thread tonight and if you guys think my motor has the same ignition, I am gonna try disconnecting the B and Y wire. If I leave the ignition on and take out my fuse and put it back in it sparks like it is gettin power to something. My coils also seem to be leaking something from under the flywheel as well. My motor is a 1971 60 hp, just thought I'd add to the list.<br /><br />Hey Capt Bob, how much were the new parts you put on it?

 

[73rude]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 65 HP no spark ever...any ideas?

We have a 1973 Evinrude 65 hp with same problem...no spark. Does anybody have the correct ohm readings for the rectifier, stator and powerpack? Haven't been able to find a book for ourselves yet. Your help would be greatly appreciated.