1978-85 Evinrude 20HP

[evinrude20]

Hello all, Long time reader, first time poster.
Here's my dilhema. I have an older evinrude, somwhere in the 78-85 range (blue with the white cap w/ stripes), anyways, it ran a few years ago, then sat in the shed for about 3 years through summer and winter. I tried to get it going this spring but to no avail. This is what I have concluded. It doesnt seem to be sparking as Ive tested holding the cap and putting the plug next to the block. Not sure if the coils are shot, or if theres a propblem with teh shutoff button? The next part is after trying to start with full choke, the spark plugs were dry when I pulled them out so it also doesn't seem to be getting fuel. I pulled the carb out, it looks great. I checked the fuel filter and its clean, so I'm not sure where the fuel problem lies. There is compression, and when i pulled the the plate off to look into the cylenders, no abnormalities appear. If anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!!!!! Thanks alot,
Evinrude 20

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1978-85 Evinrude 20HP

Try the spark again - this time with the plugs in the boots and the base of the plug grounded to the block. Spark isn't likely to jump out of the boot to the block - that's nearly an inch in most cases. Spark should jump the plug gap as a bright blue/white spark...
You can take the shutoff button out of the equation by removing the kill wire from the plug where it enters the powerpack plug...
- Scott

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1978-85 Evinrude 20HP

If it is 20 hp I think you will find it must be 1985 or later. The model number (not serial number) will ID the year.

It makes sense to start by checking out the stop switch.

If that, and its wiring, is OK and you cannot get a spark from either plug then the powerpack is suspect as there are separate HT coils for the 2 cylinders .

If it has been standing idle for several years it is possible that the carb will need cleaning especially if it was last shut down with fuel in it

You refer to "choke", thats a maual primer? so it does not have an electric primer that's not working?

When you prime with the primer bulb are you aware that fuel flows into the carb?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1978-85 Evinrude 20HP

go to the faq section, read awakening a sleeping outboard, and on page 2 outboard won't start.

 

[evinrude20]

Re: 1978-85 Evinrude 20HP

Thanks for the reply's. I found it is a 1978 model, 20hp. I also disconnected the "stop" switch from the coil and tried again, and still no spark so it isn't the switch. I'm assuming it must be the power pack. I can't see both coils being shot. Is there anyway to find out if its the coils or the pack before I go out and buy a new pack? As far as the fuel, I'll have to take the carb off adn give it another look. It must be gunged up since there doesnt seem to be any blockage anywhere else in the engine.
Thanks again,
Evinrude20