1988 Evinrude 48 SPL

bigeasy8240

Recruit
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
3
Hello!

I'm new to the posting forum, but have been lurking around the web site for quite sometime. This website has been very helpful and I do thankeveryone.

I have a 88 Evinrude 48 SPL that came with a boat I purchased about 2 months ago and now that I have had it out on the water, it would not idle. I rebuilt both carbs and checked the fuel pump, bulb, gas tank and gas, vented the opening and tighten down the coils that were loose. Now, not only will it not idle, but it is backfiring!

I'm thinking that it may be either the condenser, coil armature or something that has to do with the electrical system. As I've been researching, the electrical system is the weakest link! The first time I took it out, it would not get up to speed until I pressed in the key to give it a little more gas then it pepped up a little, so I rebuilt the carbs, it still would not idle but I did gain more power out of the engine. 2nd time out it ran pretty well for approximately 25 miles and then starting loosing power and when I give it throttle it starts backfiring and sputtering. Let off the throttle and it somewhat stops.

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :redface::confused:
 

wavrider

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 26, 2007
Messages
543
Re: 1988 Evinrude 48 SPL

Could be possable Link n sync issues

Backfiring usually is from a sheared key on the flywheel making the engine out of time.

Yours starts though so maybe not a key.

check your timer base and make sure it advances fully to the stop, may be wiring harness not allowing the timing to advance.

if you cleaned the carbs, and getting good fuel, a good spark from ignition, then it is timing probaly.

also what is the compression readings?
 

bigeasy8240

Recruit
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
3
Re: 1988 Evinrude 48 SPL

I never performed a compression reading on the motor, but it seemed to running pretty strong when it's at full throttle. May have to do a compression check!

You mentioned timer base! I thought it sound sort of a timming issue. Will have to do more research on where to start with this timming deal! Seeing that the motor is really old, is it to my benefit to replace it? I'm pretty handy with a wrench along with a little common sense.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1988 Evinrude 48 SPL

that motor is not old. 50's are older. the key may not be all the way sheared, but going, which will throw the timing off, also the link and sinc could be off, you need an oem manual ebay or outboardbooks.com
174750 Accessory Parts Catalog $39.58
210997 Owners Manual $31.05
507661 Service Manual- $40.00
507718 Parts Catalog Set $60.00
 

bigeasy8240

Recruit
Joined
Mar 24, 2008
Messages
3
Re: 1988 Evinrude 48 SPL

I'm learning and thank you fellow boardsmen and woman for replying!

You mentioned a key! Is that the notches on the flywheel and the link and sync, I'm lost on that one! I'm going to go and buy the manual for that motor. I have an Evinrude and Johnson manual, but it only cover up to a 40 horsepower for 1988. Will the link and sync cause the conditions noted?
 
Top