Intermittent Optical Ignition Problem

[WillyBWright]

We have an Alumacraft on consignment with a 1994 150 60 deg V-6 Evinrude Spitfire Series. The spark comes and goes. Connections are clean and tight. Cleaning the optics seemed to help at first, but it still cuts out without any kind of warning. It just shuts off. Sometimes it'll restart right away, other times it'll crank and not fire. I've eliminated the kill circuit as the source. I suspect a component failure, but which one? I'm working for a Merc & Honda dealer at present and they have little for Johnyrude parts, service literature or test equipment. Which would be the most likely component and how much does it cost (just to give the guy an idea)? Naturally he wants to sell it, not fix it. I presume this problem is why.

 

[imported_lorin]

Re: Intermittent Optical Ignition Problem

If you're not getting spark on any cylinder, here are some possibilities. The problem could be either the charge coil or power coil both of which are on the stator. You could pull the flywheel to examine the stator and look for possible damage. I'm sure it is rather expensive. The problem could also be the timing sensor (less expensive) or the power pack. All of these require special diagnostic tools to check. For the power pack you could use a peak reading volt meter, but the power pack is all the way "downstream" in the flow of voltage, so if one of the upstream parts is screwed, the power pack won't function but it still could be in perfect condition. So if you don't have the diagnostic tools and you're reduced to guessing, I would replace the timing sensor since it's the cheapest part and it's not real unusual for it to fail. Often when the stator fails, there is visible damage.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Intermittent Optical Ignition Problem

Many thanks.

Turns out the guy didn't want to fix it no matter what. He just wanted to get rid of it and pass the problem on to the next guy. We told him to come pick it up. We don't do business that way. We leave that to eBay.