Evinrude 60Hp - wont stay running, help!

[Frey0357]

Hello everybody! I am having trouble with my 1990 Evinrude 60hp outboard on my fishing machine 160b. Its been a super reliable motor, but recently has given me some significant trouble. Thought I would reach out to this community to request some help here.....here goes:
In short, the motor starts right up, but once I let go of the key the motor dies right out. After much research I have replaced the following items, with new replacement components:
- Ignition switch
- CDI Electronics module
- New stator
I have tested and found the kill switch to be operating as expected. I have searched all grounds and connections and found them to be tight, clean, and proper.
To be transparent I am frustrated with this motor, but want it fixed.

Any ideas out there? Please throw any ideas my way - I'll try everything!

Thanks all,
Frey

 

[jakedaawg]

Blk/yel wire shorted to ground somewhere. Isolate both ends and ohm to ground.

 

[Frey0357]

Blk/yel wire shorted to ground somewhere. Isolate both ends and ohm to ground.

Thanks Jakedaawg! Thats a great idea - I have disconnected it at the ignition switch but not at the motor as well. I'll try that!

 

[racerone]

Where did you get the ignition switch and what part # was it ??

 

[Frey0357]

Where did you get the ignition switch and what part # was it ??

Hi Racerone. I replaced the original switch with one identical to it, it happened to be a universal Sierra switch with electric choke. 7 pins (or connectors). As I mentioned it appeared to be identical to the one I took out.

--Frey

 

[Frey0357]

Thanks Jakedaawg! Thats a great idea - I have disconnected it at the ignition switch but not at the motor as well. I'll try that!

Jakedaawg - If it turns out that the black/yellow wire is in fact grounded somewhere, does it make sense to run a new wire from the CDI connection point to the ignition switch under the helm?

--Frey

 

[Crosbyman]

In short, the motor starts right up, ??

does it just spin the engine or do you actually get ignition explosions while the starter turns the engine over ? . If so I think it is unlikley the kill wire (s) are grounded their role being to kill the ignition not the starter .

As I mentioned it appeared to be identical
switch looks alike but are the innards the same ??... why not test pin for pin resistance in ON,START,CHOKE mode with a VOM

btw is this a sudden problem or results from work done on the engine ?

 

[Frey0357]

In short, the motor starts right up, ??

does it just spin the engine or do you actually get ignition explosions while the starter turns the engine over ? . If so I think it is unlikley the kill wire (s) are grounded their role being to kill the ignition not the starter .

As I mentioned it appeared to be identical
switch looks alike but are the innards the same ??... why not test pin for pin resistance in ON,START,CHOKE mode with a VOM

btw is this a sudden problem or results from work done on the engine ?

Hi Crosbyman,
I haven’t had a minute to look at my boat, but maybe tomorrow. As for describing the problem. The engine cranks normally, the engine starts and runs (explosion as you stated), but as soon as I release the key from start to run, it dies out fairly fast. If I hold the key in the cranking position after starting it will keep running, but dies after put to run position. As soon as I can get to it I will and follow up with this forum. Thanks everybody!
Frey

 

[oldboat1]

Think you may have a fuel problem -- fuel pump or carbs. If holding the key in while cranking, you are running the engine off fuel injected directly via the primer system (i.e., bypassing the carbs and pump.) When that fuel source quits, so does the engine.

 

[racerone]

Not quite.----The electric primer gets fuel pressure from the fuel pump.----If motor keeps running when you push the key in , you need to look at the carburetors.

 

[Frey0357]

These might or might not help. I’ve tried brand new gas, no change. The carbs are getting gas, it just won’t stay running - unless I keep cranking the key switch….
Today I looked at the key switch very closely and measured the pins. The switch is exactly what the original switch was and behaves exactly the same way. Also I checked the black/yellow wire to ensure it was not grounded - it is not! Also disconnected the kill switch and no effect.

What do you suggest regarding the carbs? Seems strange one day it would be running perfect then the next it was performing like this and it be the carbs….

Frey

 

[racerone]

I always say it.----hook up a timing light.-----Does spark stop when you turn key to run ?

 

[Frey0357]

Thanks Racerone, I don’t have a timing light…wish I did

 

[racerone]

How are you going to attempt a repair if you do not have basic tools ?----Hurry and take it to your local shop.----Be an easy fix and might save you doing some electrical damage.