1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

[Andy in NY]

i aquired this motor a few months ago for cheap and am just getting around to tinkering with it.

it spins over fast, not sure of the exact rpms but just as fast if not faster than my 50 hp.

FUEL: fresh fuel. if i choke it, when i let off the key gas comes out from the front of the carbs.

SPARK: no spark, except when i let off the key, then i get one blue spark.

sometimes it wants to fire when i let off the key. ill get about 5-6 fires then it dies. some smoke from the exaust as well.

i checked the top secret files for outboard wont start, but theres no trouble shooting for the ignition system.

 

[Craftsman_85]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

http://www.cdielectronics.com/downloads/troubleshooting guide/ Should point you in the right Direction pick your motor from the OMC list. Still think that link Deserves a sticky

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

any other advice?

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

what is dva?

6. Check DVA voltage on the Blue wire going to the coil while connected, it should be approximately 200 volts at cranking.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

DVA is a peak reading voltmeter. "Holds" the reading of the maixmum voltage that it detects.

Check your breaker points.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

okay so points keeps coming up. by "checking" them, what am i looking for? what about cleaning them?

 

[scrampbell]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

Based on the info that you get spark in "run" but not in "start" key switch position, I would look into the key switch and it's wiring. Possible that wires are connected to the wrong posts or your switch may have gone bad.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

so how do i troubleshoot the switch?

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

okay so i got a harmonic damper puller tday to pull the flywheel, but i cant figure out how to break the flywheel nut free! it just wants to rotate the whole motor...

 

[scrampbell]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

Honestly, I think the best advice I can give it to look at a manual (I get mine from the local library). I can't emphasize enough how helpful it was for me to look at one the first time. Reading the troubleshooting section was like a transcendental experience... instead of jumping back and forth to 6 different things basically taking blind shots in the dark in the general direction of the problem, it will help you rule out the most likely and easiest to rule out items so you don't waste all summer trying to figure out what's wrong.

With absolutely no prior experience, I had my motor running in 4 hours of work (not including waiting for/going to buy parts) with the help of the Clymer's manual.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

ive got a manual on order. but that doesnt help me with getting the flywheel off...

 

[phillipboggs]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

I used a crowbar wedged between the teeth of the flywheel to hold it steady while turning the puller.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: 1970 evinrude 85 hp no start (no spark?)

well i got her running today with the help of a fellow iboater who so graciously came and helped me with his fancy testers...

turned out the points were dirty. cleaned em up and she fired right up!

and i tested the tilt n trim... it works but the gasket at the bottom of the pump is leaking... can i get a replacement gasket for it or will i have to get a make your own gasket kit?