'74 70 HP Evinrude quit & won't start

[ruddy]

I was heading back to the ramp at WOT when I flipped on the bilge pump switch, and my motor suddenly died. It won't start and doesn't appear to have any spark. I can't imagine that turning on the bilge pump would have caused the motor to quit, but it died as soon as I flipped the switch. Do any of you know where I should begin troubleshooting? I'm pretty experienced with car engines, but I'm new to outboard motor repairs. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

 

[JB]

Re: '74 70 HP Evinrude quit & won't start

Ahoy, Ruddy. I guess that the first thing you need to do is verify that you have no spark. Each plug wire should be able to arc at least 1/2" to the block. I think you will find that you were right: no spark.<br /><br />Inspect the powerpack for loose wires or shorts. Pull the flywheel and confirm that the key hasn't sheared and that the various coils under there are in good shape and that the magnets are not loose.<br /><br />The correct thing to do next is to get a manual and the right tools and test equipment and troubleshoot the ignition system according to the book. If none of the above has found the cause of your problem it will be a bad charge coil, sensor coil or powerpack. <br /><br />If you are very lucky you will be able to borrow one of each from your friendly neighborhood OMC wrench and isolate the failure by substitution. Go get a manual anyway. It is Clymer #B736.<br /><br />Let us know what happens.<br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Firewood]

Re: '74 70 HP Evinrude quit & won't start

I had a similar 70hp Johnson, same problem you describe - it just died instantly. It ended up being the power pack. I had a local marina fix it with a used part for 100 bucks. I was bumbed about being towed in, but it worked out alright as I sat in the bar having a few beers with my buddy my boat got fixed and away we went.

 

[ruddy]

Re: '74 70 HP Evinrude quit & won't start

Thanks for the replies, guys. I have the Clymer manual and a spark tester, but I don't have the neon tester the book calls for. After doing the "key switch" test, it sure looks like the power pack is dead. Do you think the timing of starting the bilge pump was just a coincidence? Thanks again.