77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

[farvafire]

Guys, I have searched the forum and internet for the last couple days and have not seen an answer.

I told a friend that i would work on his boat while he is away at work. I got it running very well except one small part. The starting. It will start if i apply a manual choke, however the electronic choke seems to have issues. It will close the flappers if i push the key in and turn to on position however as soon as i place it to start position they pop back open. I am assuming this is an issue with the ignition switch. Is there a way to check the switch or is this a normal operation of the choke in which i need to search for more possibilities. I do not have a manual as it is not my boat and the owner is not a mechanically inclined individual who for some reason will not purchase one. I thank you for your help in advance.

I know its not a big issue but pulling the cowling off at the ramp is a PIA and he is letting me use it while he is away so i want to return the boat in better condition that when i recieved it.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

The electric choke is only engaged when the key is pushed in. Normally when returning from the START position to the ON position, the key is released.

If you are saying that the electric choke will not engage at all in the ON position, either the ignition switch is the wrong type or is wired improperly.

The wire that activates the electric choke is a "Purple" wire that has a "White Stripe" and should be connected to a terminal marked "C" on the back of the ignition switch.

 

[farvafire]

Re: 77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

Thank you that may be enough that i can begin the trouble shoot however some clarification is needed:

Key on + pushed in = choke closed
Key start + pushed in = choke opens (problem)

This happens automatically as soon as you turn it to the start position the choke opens up. I am thinking that it is the switch or if there is a diode that limits the time the choke is closed?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

Yes - Key start + pushed should have the choke closed. However, you need to make sure you have a good starting battery. In other words when cranking the engine the starter may be pulling the voltage down so far the choke solenoid drops out. Charge the battery or use a known good one. Although it is possible that that the choke switch portion of the ignition switch is bad, I would wager that's not the problem, especially since the RUN portion works as it should and the same wire is used in both RUN and START.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

The back of the ignition switch should have six (6) terminals, marked as follows:

M = Raised tower like terminal = Black/Yellow wire, (Kill Circuit)
M = Regular terminal (like all the others) = Black wire, (Ground Circuit)
A = Accessory = Purple wire(s), (12 volts applied when key is in ON or START mode)
C = Choke = Purple/White wire, (12 volts when key is in ON or START mode)
B = Battery = Usually Red wire, but varies with model (whichever heavy gauge wire is always 12v)
S = Solenoid = Usually White wire, but varies with model (Inspect solenoid for wire coloring)

There is no diode in the starter circuit.

 

[farvafire]

Re: 77 85 HP Evinrude Choke Issues

Just a report on progress so far. It is fixed. Problem, improperly adjusted choke solenoid. Properly adjusted and choke stays closed. Thanks guys.