Re: It's not a Force
I advised the guy not to do it, but he wanted to replace all four pistons. Single guy, no wife, no kids. Nowhere to spend his money and all the time to do it. He completely refinished the engine in original Evinrude colors and wanted to keep it on the completely refurbished Crestliner. We (my partner and I) had to scour the internet for four .020 oversized pistons. We probably got the last four in the world.
SO: Rebuilt the engine and test ran it in the drive for about a half hour. I reset the timing and when the owner came by to pick it up, we ran it again for about another half hour.
Took him to the river for an on-water test. Engine started and idled beautifully. About 100 feet from the dock, it stopped like the key had been turned off and would not restart. #@%$***&#$!
Back to the dock and some diagnostic tests---Electronics shot, no spark at all. We found some ignition components on line and he bought them. We will do another water test after he installs a complete ignition system. Our source told us that this year had major problems with ignition and he could expect to replace it every year.
He also told us that since it is a 12 volt points system the electronics can be replaced with--get this-- CHRYSLER MOTOROLA CD IGNITION
The owner has invested WAY more than the boat, engine, and trailer combo is worth, Buy hey--that's his hobby and that was what he wanted.
I actually invested so much time in this engine that with my labor charge quote (450) I made minimum wage. Oh, well! It was interesting and I'm retired.
