getting erratic spark

mikeyzx2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 1, 2005
Messages
633
Hey ya'll I need some help here. I rebuilt the carbs, changed out all fuel lines on the motor, installed new sparkplugs, and just put all new coils on it. Before I did all this, it started up no problem and ran good, other than dropping RPMs at WOT. I found a couple of coils had cracks in the insulation so I went all out and replaced them. Now I can't get the sucker to even start, not even spark half the time. I pulled all the plugs yesterday and managed to get them all to fire but when trying to start it was like maybe one cylinder would pop but nothing. I did some tightening and such and I finally got it to fire today, so I thought it must have been a bad ground. It started up rough but after some popping and puffing it got it's act together. I stopped it and after a few minutes I got absolutely nothing and back to square one. What are some of the possibilities that I'm facing? Give me some ideas.<br /><br />Mike
 

mikeyzx2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 1, 2005
Messages
633
Re: getting erratic spark

Oh forgot it's a 77 Evinrude 85hp V4. I did let it run for a couple minutes and restarted it fine but after it set for about five minutes it never even hinted of firing.
 

mjash

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 16, 2005
Messages
116
Re: getting erratic spark

Sure you got them coil wires seated right mikey? I am having similar probs. Gonna get her on the water tomorrow to see if she is workin.
 

mikeyzx2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 1, 2005
Messages
633
Re: getting erratic spark

that's what I'm wondering myself Mark.....they are a pain in the lower end to get on the coil, the end with the boot isn't so bad.
 

OBJ

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 27, 2002
Messages
10,161
Re: getting erratic spark

Mikey...take a small sharp punch and pre-start the hole in the spark plug lead. This will make sure the pin in the coil gets centered. Put a little lube on the wire and push it in with a pair of pliers. And don't forget the coil grounds....make sure they are clean and making good contact.<br /><br />And just one more thing.. :) ..Check the pins in the coils are straight. If the seem off center, use a small screwdriver to put them right.
 

mikeyzx2

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 1, 2005
Messages
633
Re: getting erratic spark

Thanks OBJ I remember reading a similar post recently with a similar response from you. When you say "lube" are you meaning dielectric grease? I think I got some hiding around here somewhere. I guess these coils are notorious for being a pain to assemble. Thanks<br /><br />Mike
 
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