1988 Evinrude, V4, 110 HP Stator problem

[ssss5358]

I have a 1988 Evinrude V4, 110 HP 2 stroke engine. I replaced the stator and rectifier last June<br />as the old stator went out on me. The new one is a CDI. Eveything worked very well until <br />last week when the engine wouldn't start and has no spark. I looked under the fly wheel and <br />can see droplets of yellow substance that has dripped down on the engine block. I<br />tested the unit and got continuity so I it appears it's bad.<br /><br />My question is, what things outside of poor quality of the stator, can contribute to a stator <br />malfunction (in this case it appears it may have shorted out). The stator and rectifier both have<br />a 2 year warranty on them so I can get replacements but I don't want to replace them with <br />inferior products or put them back in if there is a contributing problem I can't detect.<br /><br />Any help you can be would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Steve Smith (ssss5358)<br /><br />Thanks for your response Joe. I can't think of a time anything like a battery hooked up <br />backwards happened or of any other items that might result in that condition. I am wondering<br />though if this condition did (or does exist without my knowing it) about how long would it take <br />to zap the rectifier and thus the stator? Also, is there a test that will show me if the rectifier is<br />bad or not? A test that does not require the engine to be running. That way I could pin point <br />the problem before I install anything else.<br /><br />Steve

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1988 Evinrude, V4, 110 HP Stator problem

SSSS..... I'm not familiar with the CDI terminology but assume that it is a third party parts provider (rebuilt parts). If so, it's possible that something slipped by them and what you have is an inferior (short life) item.<br /><br />The higher hp models with their 35 amp charging systems are prone to having the stator fail due to the extreme heat that is generated under that flywheel. However, unless memory fails me, that 1988 110 hp model incorporates a 9 amp stator which under normal circumstances should just about live forever.<br /><br />The abnormal circumstances would include temporarily and accidently hooking up a battery or a battery charger backwards, or wiring something in such a manner that reverse polarity would be thrown to the rectifier which would of course damage the rectifier. A blown rectifier blocks the voltage, current, amps (however you want to look at it) from getting to the battery in order to charge it.... the result being that that power, instead of charging the battery, backs up into the stator, creating excessive heat, and eventually destroys it.<br /><br />If you have a tachometer, and it operates, you can consider the charging system intact as the tachometer operates off of the pulses generated by the charging system. If the tach operates, frankly I would assume that the stator you purchased was/is faulty.<br /><br />Note that stators, when they first start to fail, will read and operate correctly when cold, but as they warm up will become erratic and eventually will fail altogether.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 1988 Evinrude, V4, 110 HP Stator problem

CDI (and Rapair) are both very respected companies that make very good parts. Its not unusual for OE's to suggest to dealers to contact CDI for ignition / electrical problem troubleshooting. Contact them and explain the problem. I'm sure they will be glad to help.<br /><br />Good luck!