1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

[jvickery]

Well I have read a lot on here but never found the answer I am looking for. I have a 1973 50HP Evinrude that was running fine when I bought it last year. The last time I took it out we sat at the dock with it for an hour trying to get it to start and it for no known reason it finally did and ran that day for a short fishing trip UP river! I winterized it and then this spring went to fire her up and get her ready to go fishing and she had zero spark. I have pulled the flywheel and cleaned the stator and checked for any damaged are bad wires but looks really good under there. It did have a short in the rectifier that bolts right by the power block so I removed that thinking it is not required for engine starting just charging the battery? I have read the manual but unless you have fancy testers that they mention the book is useless. I need to know how to test the ignition systems components with a regular meter and or test light. Is this possible and what are the procedures and numbers I should be getting? It has no power getting to the coils at all. I do not even see power getting to the power block except from the key switch. This is driving me crazy and I do not want to just start buying parts on a motor that is not worth what all those parts cost. Any help please?

John

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

Go to the CDI's web site, find your engine and use their trouble shooting guide.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

What manual do you have ? To check these mtrs out you have to have the proper test equipment or else it's just a big guessing game.

 

[jvickery]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

I have the Seloc and Clymer books because I have owned a few of these motors before but never had any problems like this. I have decent test equipment because I build hot rods and have to test electrical stuff all the time, but I have never had to test a stator, magneto set up before and really never understood them before digging around the internet this week. The CDI website test procedures are awesome and have helped me narrow it down to a few things, but with out a DVA adapter for my meter and I can be positive. I just ordered the base timer/sensor unit, rectifier, and the stator assy which it should be one of those and I should have a good ignition system for a good while.

My main need here is what set up do I need to test this type of scenario on boats? Multi Meter-Dva Tester : Sierra Part # 18-9801 ??? Or just a good DVA adapter for my meter which is a Fluke.

Thanks folks!

 

[boobie]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

You need a good DVA adapter that will work in your Fluke. I still use my old Stevens peak reading volt meter.

 

[King James]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

Check igniton switch kill wire should be black /yellow wire to M post on ignition switch disconnect tape over end and see if you have spark WARNING MOTOR WILL NOT SHUT OFF WITH KEY!!!! I choke them off or disconnect battery cable hope this helps ignition switch is a lot cheaper then a power pack

 

[jvickery]

Re: 1973 Evinrude/Johnson 50HP No fire!

New stator, new sensor coil...nothing changed. Called local marine shop to ask him if he had any ideas and he said its always the power pack on those engines...95% sure he said without even hooking up a meter. New power pack and she starts right up. That said, the sensor coil was bad as well when tested as was the the rectifier which had a short in the wires. boats dot net sold me a brand new sensor coil that was dead on arrival as I tested it out of the box. I called them and they would not return it because I was not certified, even though I am certified ASE Mechanic and a ASE certified Paint & Body Tech (for 22 years). Customer Service over there was rude and I filed a complaint with the BBB. Luckily for me the manufacturer was GREAT!!! I told them what was going on and they just shipped one right out to me that was good. be warned of buying from boats dot net

thanks everyone!