Evinrude Engine just quit while cruising

[dogrocco]

I just bought an Angler 2004 with an Evinrude 2003 200HP Outboard. I purchased the boat from a dealer 300 miles away from my town. They did a tune up, lower engine oil change, etc. I just took the boat out on the water for the first time and we were cruising on the intracoastal fine then all of the sudden the engine just quit. Tried to start it and it wouldn't crank, nothing. Felt like if it had a killer switch somewhere. Both batteries are fully charged. Engine temperature was very, very low (around 120). After waiting about 20 minutes, it started fine. Decided to head back and when we got to the dock, turned the engine off and tried to start it, I got the same problem. I am very mechanical inclined but I have no experience on boats. The following day, it started fine and let it run for about 30 minutes and it has been working fine. Afraid to take the family out on it. Any recommendations on how to start troubleshooting it are greatly appreciated.

Raul

 

[gbach55]

Re: Evinrude Engine just quit while cruising

My first thought is to check / clean battery terminals. Then on to other electrical connections... ie at the starter solenoid...

 

[Camo Joe]

Re: Evinrude Engine just quit while cruising

Start with checking all wiring to and from starter switch for being loose, broken etc......also check fuse box for loose fuse.......could be a bad switch ............

 

[daselbee]

Re: Evinrude Engine just quit while cruising

All kinds of stuff here to think about...

That 2003 is a Ficht injected engine. It has a more complicated electrical system than the older carb'ed models.

But, I really don't think you have fully examined the problem yet, or you just did not post it up...

One, do the tach lights cycle with power on at the key? You don't post that.... If not, the problem is likely electrical as suggested above.
There is a PDP (power distribution panel) that has relays, etc, the computer needs 40v, generated by the stator...so it is complex.

Second....when you turn the key to ON, you should hear the fuel pump run for 5-10 secs. Do you hear that?

Third, frankly if you are getting tach lights, and fuel pump, then it sounds to me like the kill lanyard is intermittent. Make sure it is good and seated, and maybe start the engine and kinda pull and wiggle the kill lanyard to see if it dies....

Ahhhhh I just thought....are you not getting ANY starter action at all when it is doing it's dead engine thing?

More info and more diagnostic work is needed.....

 

[boobie]

Re: Evinrude Engine just quit while cruising

If all the battery connections on both the mtr and the battery are good,clean and tight. the next thing to do is take it to a BRP dlr with a lap top and see what codes come up. This aint like the old days with carbed mtrs.