85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

[kevin5brown]

I have a 1976 85hp Evinrude with limited spark on #1 and even less on #3 cylinder. I get no spark on 2 or 4. While cranking the engine I will usually get strong spark on #1 and intermittent on #3. After 3 - 5 seconds of continuous cranking #3 will stop sparking after a second or 2 of cranking and #1 will stop after 3 - 5 seconds of cranking. The power pack and the stator have been changed out with no difference noted. The wire from the key switch to power pack makes a ground when in the run or start position, it is open with key in off position. I'm focusing on the sensor coils (timer base). My book says it should read 6.5 - 10.5 ohms. I'm getting a reading slightly higher than 12 ohms on both coils. Could this be the problem?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

A power-hungry starter can cause weak spark too. Put the meter on 15volt range across the battery and note reading when cranking. If it drops below 9volts, the starter and/or battery may be defctive, and not leaving anything for the ignition system. Just a guess here. But something else to look into.

 

[kevin5brown]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

The battery is strong, voltage drop minor, especially with the plugs out. Any other ideals?

 

[clanton]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

There was a problem of the sensor gap being to large on these engines. They would run great until the orginal pack was replaced, the engine would not start with new pack. You can call RAY at 256 772 3829 they have gauge to adjust sensor.

 

[kevin5brown]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

Thanks for the advice! I'll give him a call.

 

[kevin5brown]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

Success!! I ended up adjusting the sensors in the timer base so they would be closer to the inside set of flywheel magnets. All 4 plugs light up now!!!

 

[clanton]

Re: 85 HP Evinrude no ignition.

If you did it without gauge, you must have good eye and steady hand.