Wont start. '89 evinrude 70hp

Nws024

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
I am in the middle of trying to fix this motor. It sat for over 2 years. It was running like a champ. Then, while running full speed it died. After letting it sit too long, i talked to a mechanic, they said fuel pump. After changing pump (mechanical) it started. Like an idiot, I had not changed fuel. just new spark plugs. It ran rough, but would start and run. put it in water, it bogged down when i tried to give it gas. then would no longer start. Now I am attempting to do it right. Thanks for any of y'alls help. After changing / cleaning fuel system ( new filter, drained all gas ) still would not start. i pulled the spark plugs, they were wet. Turned motor with plugs out. Lots of fuel mist sprayed out. had throttle down choke off. So now i am rebuilding carbs. not sure that is right course, that is why i am asking y'all. I wouldnt think it should spray that much fuel.

note: this engine was redone before me. it used to have an oil mixing fuel pump. now just mechanical. Also the choke was changed, i believe it is a primer. has a red lever that i physically turn to start motor. i pulled a hose and verified that it worked, with lever down no fuel. lever up has fuel. i can get pics if y'all want. i will be getting carbs cleaned and reinstalled today.

Thanks for any guidance or tips..
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,096
Check flywheel key.-----Post the compression actual values.-----Does spark jump a gap of 3/8" on all leads ?-----Pushing the key in while cranking it over ?----Red lever is for manual operation of the primer valve.---No need to turn that if you are using electric start.-----Used when you need to start motor with a dead battery.-----Use a rope to turn the flywheel.----Yes , that motor can be started with a dead battery !----Need to install new water pump impeller and test the overheat horn.
 

Nws024

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
i will need to get a compression gauges. I will look up how to check leads 3/8 in gap. don't know about flywheel key.

As for primer, levers and ignition were changed, so there is no push choke. i have just turned it manually since i got the boat.

spraying a bunch of gas doesn't sound off to you?
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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Sorry I really do not know how much a ---" bunch of gas " ---is so therefor I have no comment.----I suggest you find a proper control box for this motor !
 

Nws024

Cadet
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Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
The boat is a tracker party barge. with a side console. i don't think it ever had a proper control box. though that might fix my issue. Top cylinder was 95#, 90# on bottom two. I'm not getting spark at all though. I did have spark couple weeks ago. I guess I'm hoping the ignition and kill switch are to blame. i bought a new ignition. maybe just bypass the kill switch?
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,096
In 89 these motors all came with that wonderful primer.---Best for you to learn how it works.----Invest in a manual and good luck with your project.
 

Nws024

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
Thanks, I guess. I will start shopping for a manual.

For anyone else, My boat still wont start. I am not getting spark, but i was couple weeks ago. I guess the problem is intermittent. any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

Nws024

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
i think i have ruled out ignition AND kill switch. i am looking for procedures to test stator and power pack. while using test light i received a mild shock from plug wire. So, its getting power, but not enough to fire.
 

saltchuckmatt

Commander
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
2,798
Well you now know you at least have a bad plug wire. You will need a multi meter and one of these inexpensive spark jump testers.
 

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Nws024

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Jul 12, 2018
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Well you now know you at least have a bad plug wire. You will need a multi meter and one of these inexpensive spark jump testers.
i was using a spark jump tester. and i have a multi meter. i am researching what to check next. i am thinking stator is problem because i had a problem with the motor not charging the battery a couple of years ago. I changed the battery cables. have new plugs. guess i will need to look for cables. I'm about to start checking with multimeter after lunch. just trying to find procedures.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
Messages
38,096
Fact----You cannot have 3 bad coils.----You can test the charge coils and sensor coils under the flywheel.----No need to remove the flywheel.-----What ohms do you get on brown to brown wire.-----Charged the battery ?----Load tested the battery ?-----Taken the starter apart for inspection / ohm check on armature ?
 

Nws024

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Jul 12, 2018
Messages
17
Fact----You cannot have 3 bad coils.----You can test the charge coils and sensor coils under the flywheel.----No need to remove the flywheel.-----What ohms do you get on brown to brown wire.-----Charged the battery ?----Load tested the battery ?-----Taken the starter apart for inspection / ohm check on armature ?
brand new battery. running a charger while not working on it. i will start with under flywheel. not sure where to test. i will start looking that up. i was going to get a manual pdf from johnson marineservicemanuals. haven't done starter yet
 

Nws024

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Jul 12, 2018
Messages
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Fact----You cannot have 3 bad coils.----You can test the charge coils and sensor coils under the flywheel.----No need to remove the flywheel.-----What ohms do you get on brown to brown wire.-----Charged the battery ?----Load tested the battery ?-----Taken the starter apart for inspection / ohm check on armature ?
I'm not sure which Brown to brown you mean. I checked four wire plug, one of the manuals checks i believe. 2 blues green and white. D_a 11.7 D-C 11.1 B was 0 to everywhere. battery was unhooked during this test. key on and off, same numbers.
 

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rebuilt

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 11, 2007
Messages
274
I've got an '89 60hp. Almost a ringer for yours. If the kill switch wire is grounded with anything anywhere in the circuit, it will take out spark. Maybe an intermittent ground with the kill wire. I accidentally pinched mine in the control box one time after putting an ignition switch in. Took forever to find it. Once found, I got fire back.
 
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