1976 Envinrude 135hp - coils, pack, timer plate???

mitchum10

Cadet
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Messages
23
OK, well I use to have a trim/seal issue, but I can't even get to the tilt/trim seal issue since I'm now having so many electrical issues that won't even let me get the motor running....

First, I'd been running the engine on 3 cylinders when I first got it - seems I had a coil go... Replaced and was told that the other 3 weren't likely far behind, so I ordered the other 3, and ran the engine on the 3 old coils and one new one.... engine ran great... for a day!

Then, it wouldn't start.... was told it was a timer plate. Ordered a new one, put it on, and nothing....

Was then told it was the power pack, since that was the only thing left, and the only thing they couldn't check without actually replacing... added a new power pack along with the new timing plate I'd already ordered, and boom she fired right up and ran great... for a day!

Now I can tell by the engine that I'm back to 3 cylinders again. I'm hoping that it's just one of the 3 old coils that's gone, but I'm beginning to wonder...

1. Is there a short or something here that might be causing all these domino like failures? I think what I'm afraid of is that I'm going to spend money on all new electrical parts, but the same problems are just going to start happening all over again, but this time... on brand new parts that I've just replaced?

2. I'm also guessing that I probably shouldn't be driving it on 3 cylinders?

3. Just looking for some help or insight into what might be causing the "overall" cascading electrical failure.... Or, is this likely to go away once I've replaced the remaining 3 coils? The mechanic told me that these kind of cascading failures can occur when the engine has been running incorrectly for a long time, and then you start replacing the parts with ones that are working right... he says it can cause other older worn parts to break???

Any help would be greatly appreciated in helping me understand where I should be heading with these problems...!!!!
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: 1976 Envinrude 135hp - coils, pack, timer plate???

Why don't you see how it runs when you get the 3 new coils installed. It certainly is not unusual for igntion problems on a 34 year old engine. What is the conditon of the rest of the wiring under the cowling? Are the wires in good shape, or is the insulation starting to deteriorate. One of the biggest headaches on any outboard is grounds. Make sure all the grounding connections are clean as well as the mating engine block surface.
 
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