Setting the points on a 1976 Evinrude 25

[falconduvent]

Engine has been finnicky, cleaned carb, adjusted lean/rich, got the correct plugs, found the proper oil/gas ratio. First time it carboned up the #1 plug and burnt out the #2 plug (no spark). Changed the plugs and adjusted the lean/rich. @nd time, took it for a spin and it ran fine. Took it out a few hours later, got to the channel and opened it up, but it was already at full throttle, sounded like it was running one one cylinder, limped back to the dock. Checked plugs, couldnt start it after cleaning plug #1. The only remaining adjustment would be the points. How do I locate them, measure the gap and adjust them to the proper gap?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Setting the points on a 1976 Evinrude 25

Your motor doesn't have points.

what's your status as of right now? spark on one cyl but not the other? swap the ignition coils, if the problem follows the coil, replace it.

 

[falconduvent]

Re: Setting the points on a 1976 Evinrude 25

the problem is that one cylinder burns out a plug, zaps it with too much current and the other doesnt get enough juice and runs cold and fouls. I think it is a generation problem because it happened after we fought to get it started and it shook and misfired and did the usual outboard shenanigans.

 

[F_R]

Re: Setting the points on a 1976 Evinrude 25

the problem is that one cylinder burns out a plug, zaps it with too much current and the other doesnt get enough juice and runs cold and fouls. I think it is a generation problem because it happened after we fought to get it started and it shook and misfired and did the usual outboard shenanigans.

"Zaps with too much current" is just flat impossible. Can't happen.

The fuel pump is mounted to #1. If the diaphragm leaks, it will make that cylinder run rich and foul the plug.

Other possible reasons would include engine damage. What is the compression? Has it ever been overheated?

 

[falconduvent]

Re: Setting the points on a 1976 Evinrude 25

nope, engine doesnt over heat, and you were right, thr "bad pluggs" were ok.
reset the points and they were messed up, at about .026 and .016 respectivly.
Took it out today and discovered the real problem, water in the lower cylinder. guess head gasket is blown.