1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

[tsanders71]

Hello Fellow Boaters,
Just had a frustrating experience with my 1984 15 hp Evinrude. (Tiller steer and pull start.)

Put the boat in the water, cranked it up, ran for 20 or 30 minutes great. Stopped to fish. About an hour later... nothing. Didn't fire once, or "catch"

Couldn't see a spark, but it was bright outside and it is touch to hold a screwdriver while pulling... you get the point.

I get a tow back to the dock. The next day, go the the garage, pull it 8 or 10 times and it fired up.

Anyone have any interesting thoughts? The plugs look pretty good. New gas.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[CaptainHook]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

Start with making sure the motor is healthy. Do a compression test. It is always one thing that I like to get out of the way before getting into any other repairs!

 

[kahuner]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

My suggestion would be to check the fuel line connections (hose-to-connectors) and the condition of the o-rings on both connectors.

If it happens again, pump the bulb until firm to ensure the carb bowl is full of fuel. Also that the vent on the fuel tank is open. If it starts, at least you're on the right track. The fuel pump on the engine might be sucking air, and unable to draw fuel.

Fuel delivery to the carb could be your issue or at a minimum a possibility that needs to be ruled out.

 

[tsanders71]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

Thanks for the responses. The compression checked out ok. I am with you on the fuel related stuff, but when I sprayed starter fluid into the carb and took the plugs out and sprayed in the cylinders.... nothing. Didn't want to fire any more (or less) than without starting fluid...

Im pretty stumped!
Thanks again,

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

Then you have no spark or weak spark.

 

[tsanders71]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

So we are thinking coils? I noticed it looks like it has "computer" of some sort on the back??

 

[bktheking]

Re: 1984 Evinrude 15 hp Hard Start Problem

Powerpack to be exact, generally 2 coils don't go at once, more often so the powerpack fails or stop circuit fails or wiring harness can corrode. Did you check to see if you have spark?