HELP Needed from Online Mechanics

[tclprin]

Yesterday ran my 1990 28 hp Evinrude all day without a problem. Today, after leaving no wake zone, revved up and motor quickly quit. At that point, it would not start. Towed in. All electronics fine, fuel system fine, new plugs, things moving when I popped plugs.

Any thoughts? How does one know when major problem like valves/pistons, etc. are gone? There was no sign of problems yesterday and I was a mile of the Gurnet from Duxbury Bay.

Also, thoughts on rebuilts? I really need a 40 hp for my 16' Fisher Marine aluminum and have an excellent shop that specializes in these. $$$ prevents new engine/four stroke.

TCL

[fishingdan]

What's the hurry with the rebuild talk??? May be a bit premature.

Usually when an engine just quits, it is an electrical problem. I had this happen last year and the problem turned out to be a defective tilt cut-off switch. I didn't even know I had one. The older mercs have a mercury switch that shuts off the engine if it is tilted too far.

I would check for spark on each cylinder first. My bet is that you don't have any. You can pick up a little test light at any autoparts chain store that you lay against the wire while it is cranking. The little light in the pen shaped tester will flash when it detects spark.

If you want to check compression, you can do that easily enough. I would rule out other things before doing this.

If an engine has a major mechanical failure, it either seizes or there are a awful mechanical sounds coming from the engine right before it stops.

There are some excellent advice forums specifically for engine problems. Check out either of these in order of my preference:

www.themarinedoctor.com (again, post in the appropriate forum)

www.iboats.com (go to the forums and post something in your engine manufacturer's forum).

[Bob Parsons]

Did you top off some old gas with the new alcohol/gas e10? You could have water in the system.

[tclprin]

Had about 4 gallons old gas...with stabilizer. Topped off for first run, then put another 5 gallons in for a full 12 gallon tank. After talking with a few people who know a bit, I believe that this is a repair....not sure if these Evinrude SPL's have a fuel pump.

Off to the motor doctor tomorrow. Hopefully back on the water by next weekend.

tcl

I always think the worst..bad attitude..and I (sub)consciously want a bigger engine!

Thanks

[scalawag]

http://classicparker.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=513&sid=57d49f9d75e3fc53f10867ad052f14dc
read the following hread at ClassicParker.com

[DaleH]

Sounds like water in the fuel ... you should add a drainable Racor fuel/water separator, see other posts here related to the E10 or ethanol fuel formulation.

[tclprin]

Water in my 12 gallon fule tank! Boat doctor said lots on the bottom effected motor! I guess this happened during winter even with stabilizer.

Now, gents, how do I get rid of it, make it disappear, etc. Have 12 gallon full Tempo tank...full!

Thanks for the responses.