1990 40hp Evinrude control box no power

[Whoopbass]

I bought a 1990 40hp Evinrude (untested) that I can't get started with the control box. I have tried to start the motor on a couple other sets of control boxes I have laying around and no luck. Motor is in neutal as well as the handle on the box. Kill switch is connected. Nothing.
I can jump start the motor off the solenoid and it runs fine. I pulled the kill switch while it was running and the motor stopped.
I opened up the control box and put a test light on all the connectors while turning the key and nothing lit up. The red plug looks clean on both ends and is secured tight.
The motor is on a stand with the control box laying on the ground if that matters?
What am I missing?

 

[racerone]

Check the fuse on the motor.----Near the solenoid.----A 20 amp about 5/8" long inside a rubber boot.----The lower units on these motors are not robust enough to carry the loads.----Use the best ( dealer ) gear oil in there.----Install a new water pump impeller as well.----Test the overheat warning horn too.

 

[Whoopbass]

I was hoping you would reply racerone.
It was the fuse. The fuse on this motor is located in a red rubber boot in the electrical block part of the motor. It looked like it was sealed to me so I never looked at it that close. Now to find some midget 20 amp fuses. Thanks

 

[tphoyt]

Keep a few spares on board as well.
I keep mine under the cowl.

 

[Whoopbass]

"Test the overheat warning horn too"
One of the control boxes had an awful buzz when I turned the key over. Is that the overheat alarm? The buzz went away on that box but now it won't crank the motor.
I hooked up the other box that didn't have a buzz and would crank the motor but now it has that awful buzz but still works.
I haven't started the motor on either box just cranked the motor for a half second.
I wonder if this has anything to do with the tinfoil I wrapped around the burnt out fuse?
I will defintely be carrying spare fuses with me.

 

[racerone]

Sounds like the fuse blew again.----Some testing required to determine why the fuse is blowing.-----I refrain from trying to explain electrical stuff.----It can be frustrating to explain fuses and such to a novice from 1000 miles away.

 

[Whoopbass]

Found a good fuse and cranked it up. The buzz is still there but I think it has something to do with the VRO that was disconnected. When I unhook the VRO wires the buzz goes away.
Motor sounds good and it has good compression. LU is still good.

Thanks

 

[Crosbyman]

running pre-mix or vro now ??

 

[Whoopbass]

Premix on the stand
I thought the previous owner deleted the VRO but upon further inspection I believe its intact hence the alarm going off.