No ignition

[BoatDr]

Was wiring gauges for my 1979 evinrude 115 and fired her up to see if the tach worked. Started without a problem, tach worked so I shut her down. Tried to hook up the voltmeter without success (that will probably be another thread) wired lights, etc and tried to start her up again and nothing. No electric choke, nothing. Tried bypassing the neutral switch, and still nothing. Grounding out the temp sensors doesnt sound the horn. Was able to get her started by hot wiring from the solenoid to the starter, so it's not the battery. Just need some guidance since I am clueless when it comes to electrical problems. Thanks..
Erik

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: No ignition

Somewhere along the way lost your battery negative. Don't run the motor that way because the alternator will not see the load it expects and will spike and possibly damage your electronics. Start your trace from the battery negative forward and you'll find out where you lost it.

 

[F_R]

Re: No ignition

OR, you blew the fuse. It is in a black twist-apart holder in the red wire close to the starter solenoid.

You say you are clueless, that is no sin. But you can learn. Do you have a multimeter for checking voltages? Do you know how to use it? That is the single most important item when trying to diagnose stuff like this. Guessing is the dumb (and expensive) way.

Check that fuse, then come back for further instructions if that isn't it.

 

[BoatDr]

Re: No ignition

Fuse was blown. That was my next question...where to find that damn thing. I saw it in e schematic, but couldn't find it. Thanks guys..

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: No ignition

The fuse hides in the main wiring harness under the cowling. It's in a rubber "bulge" on a wire close to the starter solenoid. Pull the bulge apart and there is a micro 20 amp fuse inside.