Outboard Ignition Troubleshooting – Page 28 – Johnson Evinrude Battery CD Ignitions
This page covers Johnson Evinrude battery CD ignition systems with points and Prestolite battery ignition systems with pickup sensors, including spark testing, coil output checks, sensor checks, and distributor diagnosis.
Johnson / Evinrude
Battery CD Ignitions with Points
Battery CD Ignitions with Points
- Clean all battery connections and engine grounds.
- Connect a spark gap tester to the high tension lead coming from the ignition coil and set it to approximately 1/2". If it fires at the coil but does not fire through the spark plug wires, there is a problem in the distributor cap, rotor button, or spark plug wires.
- Check voltage present on the purple wire at cranking. It must be at least 9.5 volts. If not, there is a problem in the harness, key switch, starter, or battery.
- Check DVA voltage on the blue wire going to the coil. It should be approximately 200 volts at cranking.
- Disconnect the white/black points wire. Turn the ignition switch on and strike the white/black points wire against engine ground. The unit should fire each time. If it does, the CD module is usually good and the points, points plate, and grounding wire for the points plate need to be checked.
- Connect a spark gap tester to the high tension leads coming from the distributor cap and set the gap to approximately 7/16". Align the rotor with the #1 spark plug wire. Turn the ignition switch on and strike the white/black points wire against engine ground. Only the #1 spark plug wire should fire. If another spark plug wire fires, there is a problem in the distributor cap. Repeat the test for the other cylinders.
- Check battery voltage at approximately 3500 RPM. Maximum allowable reading is 16 volts. Over 16 volts will damage the ignition. Check for loose connections or a bad battery. Maintenance-free batteries are not recommended for this application.
Important: Battery voltage over 16 volts can damage the ignition system.
Johnson / Evinrude
Prestolite Battery Ignitions with Pickup Sensors
Prestolite Battery Ignitions with Pickup Sensors
- Clean all battery connections and engine grounds.
- Connect a spark gap tester to the high tension lead coming from the ignition coil and set it to approximately 1/2". If it fires at the coil but does not fire through the spark plug wires, there is a problem in the distributor cap, rotor button, or spark plug wires.
- Check voltage present on the purple wire at cranking. It must be at least 9.5 volts. If not, there is a problem in the harness, key switch, starter, or battery.
- Check DVA voltage on the blue wire going to the coil. It should be approximately 200 volts at cranking.
- Disconnect the black/white sensor wires. Turn the ignition switch on and strike the black/white wires together. The unit should fire each time. If it does, the CD module is usually good and the sensor needs to be checked.
- Make sure the triggering ring is the correct one for the type ignition being used. Phase II ignitions require the sensor with wide gaps between the lobes.
- Reset the sensor air gap to 0.020 in. If this allows the pack to fire, leave it set there.
- Connect a spark gap tester to the high tension leads coming from the distributor cap and set the gap to approximately 7/16". Align the rotor with the #1 spark plug wire. Turn the ignition switch on and strike the black/white and white/black wires together. Only the #1 spark plug wire should fire. If another spark plug wire fires, there is a problem in the distributor cap. Repeat the test for the other cylinders.
- Check battery voltage at approximately 3500 RPM. Maximum allowable reading is 16 volts. Over 16 volts will damage the ignition. Check for loose connections or a bad battery. Maintenance-free batteries are not recommended for this application.
Note: Phase II ignitions require the sensor style with wide gaps between the lobes on the triggering ring.