The original problem started with a fouled spark plug on the number 1 cylinder on a 1975 v4 85 hp evinrude. I got the boat back to the landing at the end of last season and let it sit (fast foreward till now). I cleaned all connections, charged the battery fully, I pulled all the plugs and checked spark with a tester spark was 7/16 and bright blue but intermitent on all but mainly on #1
since the spark was mainly bad on only 1 I replaced the pack-no change
I replaced all four coils with new as they were showing hairline cracks anyway-no change
I checked the output of the stator with a multimeter set on a/c volts and multiplied by 1.41 and obtained an acceptable reading so the stator was good
spark was now intermitent on all four, I noticed while pulling on the timer base wiring spark would return, I checked the resistance through the sensors and through the stator and found all good, I pulled the flywheel, stator and base to inspect the stator for leaks and the wiring for breaks especialy where the timer base wiring moves, found all good and reinstalled
I realized that all my testing sofar was done without moving the timing setting, with the fast idle up had good spark when dropped down spark would stop on all four completely (a clue) the pressure on the sensors when moving the timer base must be causing the sensor gap to change?
I pulled the timer base again and discovered the adjustments for the sensors, I set the sensors out to their stops inked them and checked the clearance, no rubbing on flywheel
Rechecked spark-great on all four, I hope this helps someone else
Now for the final questions:
The epoxy was still intact on the sensor adjustment screws and the base screws were tight so I doubt they moved.
Is it normal for the sensors to need adjustment?
Does having to adjust them indicate that the timer base is getting weak and should be replaced? I would rather fix it right than take a chance that it may or may not work for a while and leave me stranded.
Thanks all.
since the spark was mainly bad on only 1 I replaced the pack-no change
I replaced all four coils with new as they were showing hairline cracks anyway-no change
I checked the output of the stator with a multimeter set on a/c volts and multiplied by 1.41 and obtained an acceptable reading so the stator was good
spark was now intermitent on all four, I noticed while pulling on the timer base wiring spark would return, I checked the resistance through the sensors and through the stator and found all good, I pulled the flywheel, stator and base to inspect the stator for leaks and the wiring for breaks especialy where the timer base wiring moves, found all good and reinstalled
I realized that all my testing sofar was done without moving the timing setting, with the fast idle up had good spark when dropped down spark would stop on all four completely (a clue) the pressure on the sensors when moving the timer base must be causing the sensor gap to change?
I pulled the timer base again and discovered the adjustments for the sensors, I set the sensors out to their stops inked them and checked the clearance, no rubbing on flywheel
Rechecked spark-great on all four, I hope this helps someone else
Now for the final questions:
The epoxy was still intact on the sensor adjustment screws and the base screws were tight so I doubt they moved.
Is it normal for the sensors to need adjustment?
Does having to adjust them indicate that the timer base is getting weak and should be replaced? I would rather fix it right than take a chance that it may or may not work for a while and leave me stranded.
Thanks all.