Spark and then.....no spark....Please help!!

[capsnumber1]

Hello once again everyone, I have finally narrowed down the problem with my 1989 Evinrude 120 HP 4 cyl 2 stroke. I had a problem with the bottom 2 cylinders not sparking. All of a sudden a week ago, the Engine would not turn off when I turned the key off, and I had to choke it. I replaced the ignition switch - still the same problem. I also replaced the powerpack about 2 weeks ago. Here is the issue - when the black and yellow wires that turn off the engine are connected the engine will not start and there is no spark on any cylinders When I disconnect the yellow and black wire and crank the engine there is a good spark on all four cylinders and it cranks right up - but obviously the only way to turn it off is to choke it. What is the issue here? I am at a complete loss. Thanks in advance!

 

[F_R]

Re: Spark and then.....no spark....Please help!!

Simple. The black/yellow wire is shorted to ground somewhere. Now all you have to do is find out where. It can be anywhere along it's route, including the switch itself. Or the emergency kill switch. Remember, that wires carries 300 volts, so it doesn't have to actually be touching something grounded. It can arc through dirt or moisture.

 

[capsnumber1]

Re: Spark and then.....no spark....Please help!!

I was thinking that the kill switch is probably the issue, since the engine would turn over but wouldn't spark. I wasn't sure if it was connected to the black/yellow wire though. I will disconnect the wires from the swtich when it stops raining, hopefully tomorrow and update you on the progress! Didn't realize that there was so much voltage running through those lines! Thanks for the reply.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Spark and then.....no spark....Please help!!

you beat me to it

 

[capsnumber1]

Re: Spark and then.....no spark....Please help!!

Disconnected the kill switch today, the engine starts strong, and runs well. Since the wires are cut, I still have to choke it to stop the engine from running, but hopefully when I install a new kill switch this problem will go away too!