1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

[jmarler]

I have a 1997 150 Evinrude Oceanpro that will not stay running when the key is released to the "run" position. In the beginning the motor suddenly would not start after running from spot to spot. I checked the usual things while on the water, connections, fuse, etc. After getting back and getting the time to start working on it I have replaced the Stator, Rectifier, OSI, and ignition switch. Now the motor starts fine, but when I release the key it stops as if turned off. I thought that the new switch was bad so I put the old one back in and it did the same thing. Sounds like something simple, but I'm stumped. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. I have another trip planned in two weeks and would like to fix this myself after all of this instead of dragging it to the shop. <br />Thanks,<br /> John

 

[angus63]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

First thing to try is disconnecting the big red main harness plug at the motor and jumping the starter solenoid to see if the motor will run. If it does run, most likely an ignition switch/wiring issue. If it still won't start, probably an ignition component on the motor. Also, disconnect the ignition kill switch to rule it out as a culprit. A short in the kill switch wiring will cause what you are experiencing. <br />Welcome to the forum, post your findings on this thread for all of us to learn, and good luck.

 

[jmarler]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Thank you very much for the tips. One thing I did learn was that the big red harness plug you are talking about is not used on this motor. Apparently the cutoff was 1996. I discovered this after borrowing a start box from a friend. Interesting thing though about the kill switch. The kill switch didn't function on the old ignition switch. It did when new, but then you could run the motor without the lanyard/lock assembly. In fact I've been running like that for along time now until this new problem. Any bearing you think on this problem?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Cetainly sounds like the kill switch. I don't understand how it could run w/o, unless something was jury-rigged to by-pass the kill switch.

 

[angus63]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Possibly the wire for the kill switch found ground and is preventing the motor from running. I'm not certain, but I believe it is black with a yellow tracer. Consult the manual or maybe someone else will chime in. How does the wiring harnees connect to the motor on that 97 without plugs? You do have a carbed motor and not ficht, correct?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

I believe the lanyard on your motor installs over the ignition switch and key.It has no electrical function,just mechanical.When you remove the lanyard,it lets the ignition switch return to OFF.<br /><br />Next time you start the motor and release the key look and see if the key stays in the run position,or actually goes to off.<br /><br />It just might be two bad switches.But sometimes,if you don't have the lanyard in place,and start the motor pushing in for 'choke' when you stop pushing in,the switch goes to OFF.<br /><br />DHP

 

[levittownnick]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

I have a '97 150 Ocean Pro (not FITCH) and I have not used the lanyard except to try when the motor was new. So my experience at least with my engine is that if I use the lanyard and remove it while the engine is runneng, the enging will shut down, and when I start without the lanyard installed, the key controlls the shut off.<br />I hope this can be of some help even though it doesn't answer the problem.<br />Good Luck.

 

[G DANE]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

If your motor has a safety cut off switch ( Dead man button ) Check to see if it is on, If safety clip is off, it will act like you describe.

 

[jmarler]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Sorry. I had to actually try and get some other work done. Thanks for the info again. As for what position he key is in when I release it, it goes to what I assume is the run position because when it shuts off I can turn the key to the left another turn to the off position. It does act like it would if I tried to start the motor whithout the lanyard in place meaning that after it starts with the choke pushed in and you let go of the key it turns off. It is not a FICT, but your basic carbuerated 150 Oceanpro.

 

[ob]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

I'm not clear as to what the position of the key switch issue is.How long does the engine run when started?You have to release the key switch or the starter would remain engaged.Maybe the engine just isn't actully starting and there is no issue with the switch.Are you getting spark to all of the plug leads at cranking speed?

 

[jmarler]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Absolutely the motor is running and not just the starter turning. As far as the starter dropping out after it starts, I'm not positive but it does seem like it as I don't hear the starter motor running. I'm not sure about the "dead man button" and am not sure where it would be located if I do have one.As mentioned, the motor does not have the big red harness, but is connected to the boat via three or so square plugs instead. With the kill switch, any way to jump that to see if that is what it is?

 

[seahorse5]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

The OIS system on that motor gets its power from the red/yellow starter solenoid wire when the motor is cranked over. After the motor starts, a power coil on the stator powers the OIS. If the power coil on the stator is bad, the motor will run with the key switch to START, but not in the ON position.<br /><br />Check the resistance on the orange and orange/black wires. You may even have to remove the OIS, flywheel cover, and flywheel to inspect the stator and see if there is any melted insulation dripping from the black coils.

 

[jmarler]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

I guess I could have gotten a bad srator,but I just replaced it during all of this. The motor has not been ran with the exception of what I have described above. ??

 

[clanton]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Check the connector from engine harness to control harness, the connector with the most wires. the black, black/yellow wire pins will short. You should be able to see the burn marks on the connector, when disconnected. IMHO the switches are junk. Check for arcing from ignition coil to metal plate between the coils and pack. I just did 60 degree Fitch the arcing coil burnt thru plate into the pack. Destroyed the pack.

 

[jmarler]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

I'll do that. I did casually look for burn marks around various plugs and connectors, but I will give it another look to be sure.<br />Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[angus63]

Re: 1997 150 Evinrude shuts off when key is released

Just another thought from an experience I had a few years back. Be certain that the shift interrupt switch is properly adjusted and not activated while in neutral. This will allow spark to only one head and you will think it started but dies immediately. Also, the powerpack in those motors is actually 2 packs in one case. It is possible to have one bad side and only having spark on 3 cyls. You can rule all of this out by cranking and checking for spark on all six.<br />Good Luck