79 Evinrude 9.9 - wont start after shutdown

[Dave Bany]

Was out on the lake test running a skiff with a 79 Evinrude 9.9 that I'm preparing to sell. Motor had previously exhibited surging RPM's at throttle so after determining that fuel tank and line were good I replaced the fuel pump. Compression was recently tested at close to 85#'s per cylinder.<br /><br />At the lake, it started ok and after warm-up ran strong at throttle for 10 minutes with no surging. Shut motor off with the kill switch to check under the cover and motor would not restart. After sitting an hour or so it made a very weak effort to start after numerous pulls but that was it. Also, the starter rope is not fully retracting back into the pull starter assembly.<br /><br />I really need to sell this boat & motor so if anyone can help point me in the direction of possible causes and fixes I would sure appreciate it!

 

[OBJ]

Re: 79 Evinrude 9.9 - wont start after shutdown

A good place to start is with the spark Dave. See if you still have it on both cylinders. My bet would be you lost spark to both cylinders or maybe just one. <br /><br />If both are lost, most likely suspect is the power pack. If just one, likely a coil is gone.

 

[Dave Bany]

Re: 79 Evinrude 9.9 - wont start after shutdown

Ok - have spark on both plugs but doesn't seem to want to jump to a unpainted bolt head on the T-stat cover - plugs are L78V air gaps, would there be a difference with gap type plugs like L77JC4's or is this a indication that both my coils are weak?

 

[chris in va]

Re: 79 Evinrude 9.9 - wont start after shutdown

You may want to switch to the electrode spark plugs instead. I ended up replacing my whole electrical system since spark was pretty weak, kinda on the yellowish side. With two coil kits and CDII ignition on my '77 it cost about $130...and that's peace of mind for me. Now I have bright blue spark.<br /><br />As for the starter, hold the recoil unit and carefully wrap the cord a couple times around the spool. The spring is probably loosing some tension...I know mine did. The dealer near me doesn't sell a complete unit but has individual parts like the spring, cup, handle, cord etc. <br /><br />Another trick I learned on here is to get a 7/8" (I believe) socket and use my cordless drill to start the motor via the flywheel. People at the dock look at me funny, but at least my arm is still intact.