Evinrude black box / ignition box

[Emerald Fox]

Hi! I would appreciate it if anyone could direct me to previous comments about this (if there are any?), and to make comments to me about this? I have a 1997 Evinrude 20hp outboard engine, last year after winter it would not start and a youngish guy (in Sipoo, near Helsinki where I live, Finland) had a look and quickly, and correctly, guessed it was the "black box" which also could be called the "ignition box", somehow controls the spark/timing? He had a similar but older engine and pulled the black box off that, attached it to my engine, which started up straight away (like what it had always done before).
What exactly is this black box? Electronic components sealed, rubber/plastic poured over them, 4 sets of wires extending from it. He reckoned a new one would cost 200 Euros, he was happy to take 50 Euros for the second-hand one. I did in fact ask at Telva, the only company in Helsinki dealing with Evinrude parts, and they said 153 Euros for a new one.
The old one have been using, but I plan to buy a new one, and keep the old one as a spare. Does this seem a reasonable course of action? From where should I purchase one, I mean, cheaper than 153 Euros? Is it worth hunting for one cheaper than 153?

Details on my old (from 1997 I presume) box seem to read CD2SL/6100 585224 12(faded)V-OA

Thanking in advance Emerald Fox

 

[F_R]

Re: Evinrude black box / ignition box

It is a "Power Pack". Coils under the flywheel generate an electrical current that is stored in the power pack. When it is time for a spark to occur, a sensor also under the flywheel sends a signal to the power pack. That signal causes the power pack to release that stored energy to the ignition coil. The coil increases that energy to a high voltage, sufficient to spark across the plug.

Then it is all over till the next time.

If you removed one because it is bad, it is bad. No point in keeping it for a spare.

I believe iboats sells them. But I don't have a clue what it would cost in euros.