Delayed Spark Evinrude 1974

[Thomas Baker]

Need your help, can you identify my problems 1974, 115 hp Evinrude. When motor sets for a few hours or over night, there is no spark going to any of the plugs. When I first crank the motor, there is no spark going to any of the plugs. After I crank the motor, for 30 ? 45 seconds the spark comes to the plug, and the motor works fine. I can shut it off and it will start at the first click of the starter but when it sets for any length of time the same problem occurs, no spark to the plug. I have installed a new power pack and ignition switch. I have replaced the stator assembly with a used one. I still have the same trouble. I also disconnected the ground lead at the power pack the one that runs to the ignition switch thought it might be shorting too ground. Nothing has made any difference. I have talked to many service technicians no one seems to know what is causing the problem. Appreciate any advice.

From a very discouraged man in Antigonish Nova Scotia

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Delayed Spark Evinrude 1974

If the engine cranks over slow with the electric starter at first, then cranks faster a short ime later, therein lies the problem.

The engine must crank over at least 300 rpm in order for the stator to provide the proper voltage to energize the powerpack (ignition). If this is the case........

Remove and clean all cables related to the electric starter, at the battery, solenoid, powerhead ground, starter, evrywhere. Also clean the components that the cables connect to. If a cable is perfectly clean and becomes very hot, the usual cause is that it is corroding internally, in which case, replace it.

Check the starter itself by running good clean cables directly from a good fully charged battery directly to the starter terminal and ground. If fit still cranks slow, then obviously a starter problem exists.

 

[F_R]

Re: Delayed Spark Evinrude 1974

Agreed. May I add that it is easy to check to see if slow cranking is the problem? At a time when you figure it is not going to have spark, remove the spark plugs and check for spark. If it has spark, that confirms it. (removing the spark plugs relieves compression, allowing it to crank faster).