no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

[olesurfer]

I have and Evinrude 1966 18 hp with good compression 2 new coils 2 new condensers 2 new sets of points. When i SAY NEW I HAVE LESS THAN 5HRS RUNNING TIME Since I LAST REPLACED THEM. I cleaned the carb out and gave it a tug and it ran for a few minutes. Then I pulled on it few times but did not get a spark. I sprayed either into it and no spark . It is impossible to monitor the plug for spark and pull on the starter rope. Any suggestions:

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

First suggestion= don't put any more ether into the motor! Take both plugs out of the motor and re-connect the plug wire to one of them. Position the plug so that it makes contact with the block somewhere and gently pull the starter cord. Doing this in the dark makes it easier to see the spark (should be blue). Then repeat this step for the other plug. If you could get a spark tester at an auto store it would make the job easier ( I paid 9 dollars for mine).

 

[lindy46]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

I have and Evinrude 1966 18 hp with good compression 2 new coils 2 new condensers 2 new sets of points. When i SAY NEW I HAVE LESS THAN 5HRS RUNNING TIME Since I LAST REPLACED THEM. I cleaned the carb out and gave it a tug and it ran for a few minutes. Then I pulled on it few times but did not get a spark. I sprayed either into it and no spark . It is impossible to monitor the plug for spark and pull on the starter rope. Any suggestions:

Take the recoil starter off. With both plugs out and grounded to the engine, use a drill or socket wrench on the flywheel nut to turn the motor clockwise. Or use a spark tester. If you have spark, you'll see it.

 

[bob1340]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

Well, being you put all new stuff in and had it running for a short while I bet you did the same thing I did.

A wire is rubbing under the flywheel. Pull the flywheel and check for a wire that has rubbed. If it did the condenser is probaly burned up now.

 

[54fleetwin]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

I am so tired of seeing "it fired on starting fluid" when it comes to 2 strokes

Ether(starting fluid) will DESTROY a 2 stroke.

It washes the lube oil off

 

[bob1340]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

I am so tired of seeing "it fired on starting fluid" when it comes to 2 strokes

Ether(starting fluid) will DESTROY a 2 stroke.

It washes the lube oil off

Yes, it washes off the lube. And sometimes, not in this case, it does not add lube. If you use starting fluid use stuff made for two strokes. Well, it never adds lube, but sometimes no lube needs to be added.

Now my rant.

In a case where the motor is not getting fuel, straight starting fluid, ether, gas, alcohol, hydrazine, even 12 year old scotch should not be used unless oil has been added.

In a case where the motor is getting fuel (gas/oil mix) I'd have no issue with a little starting fluid. But the truth is, in most cases the reason someone uses the stuff is because the motor has spark but no fuel and won't start.
Starting fluid in any form is not a good replacement for a proper fuel mix. It also will not make the ignition system suddenly work. Check for fuel, spark,
and compression and go from there.

To the OP.
Make sure you check the switch and leads used to shut down the motor as well.

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

Check your kill switch, pull the flywheel off again and check for burnt, bare or unattached wiring.
Very unusual to loose spark on both cyls at the same time.
Go to your favorite parts store and get a SPARK TESTER,and make sure that the spark jumps a 3/8ths gap with a blue-white SNAP. Then check compression with a Compression tester, available at yuor local parts store or Harbor Freight store- make sure it has the 1/2 in. long adapter and check the compression and let us know the results.
When yoiu re-install the flywheel, make sure that your torque it to 45 ft/lbs with a TORQUE WRENCH.

Report your findings and we'll help from there.

 

[olesurfer]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

I bought a used ignition plate . I put it on and the engine fired once. It will not fire again . I unplugged the kill switch and did a continuity test on the switch and didn't find it shorted but just to take it out of the loop I left it unplugged. I tried the drill and I do not get spark on either plug. I think there must be a short that causes the condensers to burn out. I appreciate the help from everyone.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: no spark 18 hp 1966 Evinrude

Since each magneto system works independently of the other, I don't think it's possible for a short to ruin both magnetos at once, unless it's the kill circuit, which links both points. One reason I like the univ. magneto, you have 2 separate mags, so if one goes out, the other gets you home on one cylinder. I've never had a motor with a univ. magneto make me paddle, unless you count the time I forgot to put the cotter pin in the prop nut.:redface: