89 Evinrude 150 problem

[Andy & JoAnne]

Hope someone can chime in on this. After a long winter and a super dry summer, the long and frustrating wait for my home lake to open has finally ended. The water alliance drained a significant portion of the lake for dike and dam repairs. With little snow pack in the mountains and having to maintain certain stream levels for salmon habitat, plans on filling the lake by Memorial Day were postponed and finally opened on July 4th weekend for boating and fishing (One good thing, I did get tons of photos with the lake levels so low that should help put me on the structure holding good fish). Anyway, in prepping for the season, I replaced the plugs, changed the lower unit oil, fully charged the batteries, and filled the tank full of "fresh" premium gas (I try to run the tank completely out for winter storage). So I hook the boat to the water hose to give her a test start and nothing. The motor turns over but wont start. I check the plugs for spark and zilch!!!! I am thinking this could be the power pack but not for sure. Any thoughts or should I just take it to a marine mechanic and have them diagnose the problem? I am pretty handy mechanically but I NEED to get on the water ASAP after the long wait. Thanks in advance.

[fishinwrench]

Andy, Kill switch intact? How are you checking for spark?

If you drained all the fuel out and let it sit then you probably have carb bowls full of oil from the VRO system.

Pull the drain plugs on the bottom of the carbs and see what comes out, I bet it is straight oil/no fuel.

Drain the oil out then pump the fuel primer a few times to flush them out, replace the bowl plugs and squeeze the primer to refill the carb bowls. I bet she fires right up.

If you truly have no ignition (and you don't have a DVA tester handy) then you'll have to take it to someone that knows how to properly diagnose the ignition/charging system. The parts aren't cheap and you have to diagnose correctly or you risk blowing new (non-returnable) components.

[Andy & JoAnne]

Thanks Wrench!!! You have helped me in the past with my mechanical situations (last time was a starter issue) and your input is really appreciated. I owe you big time. Kill switch is intact. I tested the plugs by simply removing them individually and looking for a spark when turning the ignition and holding them to a metal surface on the engine. I'm going to take your advice and take it to a certified mechanic. I was hoping I could replace a part and be ready to go but from your explanation, there could be other issues. May as well get it all checked out properly. Nothing sucks more than getting to the lake, launching, and having issues. Again, thank you. Your a great help.

[fishinwrench]

Yeah I kinda figured that was how you were doing it. That spark-check method isn't very reliable

I'm running the very same motor right now on my boat. I love the 90° crossflows.

Well, I love it a little less when at the gas pump....but I still love it.