1976 135hp Evinrude loses power and may even die when it feels like it

supasama

Recruit
Joined
Sep 22, 2013
Messages
1
1976 Evinrude 135 HP starts up, runs like a champ and after 20 min to an hour of use it will start losing power randomly almost like the engine is being choked out and then out of no where it will take off like it was running great. Sometimes when it is acting up if I speed up too fast it will just bog down and die, during these times, if I just give it partial gas it will eventually work it's way out and start operating great again. It also doesn't like to idol during times of acting up but then will start running great again for seemingly no reason and last when the motor is acting up the engine warm up lever does not respond the same. Normally I just lift it a little, turn the key and in almost no time it is just roaring like a champ(especially when it's nice and warm) but when it decides to act up the motor seems like it doesn't want to rev up like it should during start up procedures. Pleas help
 

keefallan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2010
Messages
219
Re: 1976 135hp Evinrude loses power and may even die when it feels like it

You may have a bad power pack. You may have a bad timer base. You are going to have do some electrical tests. I would also check your fuel system. Make sure that everything is in good working order and clean. Check the fuel filter screen on the pump. I don't think its fuel. But it's good piece of mind. Others will chime in with possible causes. But to me it sounds electrical. You will need a manual and a multimeter and a little patience.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: 1976 135hp Evinrude loses power and may even die when it feels like it

Sounds like an electrical prob. The ignition system will usually break down when they warm up. As a wild guess it could be the power pack with out testing.
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1976 135hp Evinrude loses power and may even die when it feels like it

Agree-probably an ignition problem. Check for spark when the engine is not running well. Heat is the enemy of weak ignition components. Esp at idle, when it runs warmest. If you can get the engine up on plane, the thermostat pressure relief valve will open flooding the engine with extra cooling water. Sometimes that's just enough to cool off the weak ignition component. You can find some good ignition troubleshooting information on your specific engine at this website: cdielectronics.com
 
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