2005 Evinrude H.O. (not etec) random problem

[CJC]

Hi all,
Apologies for not having the exact model/serial number, boat is still at the marina under shrink wrap and snow.

I have a problem with my evinrude that I have been having since i bought it a few years ago.
Occasionally (maybe once a day) my evinrude will not try to start. Normally when I turn the key, i hear a beep, and I can hear (what i believe to be) the fuel pump kick on. When it doesnt start, I still get a beep, but I do not hear the fuel pump. To resolve the issue, I either turn the steering wheel a bunch, and trim it up and down, or remove the engine cover and wiggle the solenoid.

Any ideas? I have had it in the shop a bunch of times, but they cannot seem to find a problem. Thanks in advance for any help/advice!
C


Modified by CJC at 7:21 AM 3/14/2012

[ChampioNman]

Possible PDP issue, wiring harness isssue.

[CJC]

Thanks! Could this also cause other issues like stalling when shifting to neutral or reverse and a low top end speed?


Modified by CJC at 7:54 AM 3/14/2012

[ChampioNman]

Sounds like you have some electrical gremlins in there somewhere. Make sure all your grounds are clean and tight. No wing nuts on the cranking battery.

[CJC]

Thanks! I don't use wing nuts. I am assuming I am due for some new spark plugs (do you have a brand or type of spark plug you can recommend?) and I have a fuel filter that probably needs to be changed. I am also guessing that some fuel injector cleaner would be a good place to start?

The low top end speed happened the last tournament of last year, I couldn't get above 40mph in the morning, got better throughout the day though. The next morning it started the same way, but cleared up quickly and was running pretty good at the end of the day.

It seems to have always conked out since i have had the motor. Maybe 25% when shifting into neutral or reverse.

I am new to boat ownership and I know i need to pay more attention to the maintenance aspect of it. i have put about 100 hours on it and haven't done too much with it. It does seem that every time i bring it to the shop I have at least 1 cracked spark plug.

C


Modified by CJC at 10:11 AM 3/14/2012

[Bassmeister]

New plugs can help with the stalling problem, Use Champion QC12PEP gapped @ .028 tight and indexed properly.

[CJC]

Thanks! That will be much cheaper than the $18 a piece i was being charged at my dealer.

What about a fuel injector cleaner? Worth it? Again, Any brands you would recommend?

[Danrude]

Your random starting problem as ChampionMan said is going to be a problem with the PDP, the solder joints will fatigue and cause an intermittent problem. I was able to repair one by taking it apart and resolder the connections. The problem with the motor dying is an indication that several things need to be done First ia a de-carb to get all the carbon out. Secondly you need to clean the exhaust pressure sensor. Then as Bassmeister said replace the plugs however I would install the optional QC10WEP gapped at .028 and indexed. Then replace the T-Stats with ones used in the equivelant E-Tec (5005440). If you run any oil other than XD100 You need to decarb annually or 100 hours. I recommend you use XD100 and not wory about decarbing.

[CJC]

Thanks! The only oil I have used is XD100. Does that mean I will not need to decarb? Why the QC10WEP over QC12PEP? Sorry for all the questions, im new to this and want to get and keep my motor running the best I can. Thanks again!!!


Modified by CJC at 12:25 PM 3/14/2012

[Danrude]

If you are using XD100 then you do not need to de-carb but I would remove and clean the exhaust pressure sensor. The QC10WEP is a iridium plug and will last longer and the T-Stats will raise the operating temp a little.

[CJC]

Thanks! Any other maintenance or inspections i should do? I have about 200 hours on the engine.

[ChampioNman]

Check the lower unit fluid.