Troubleshooting an Evinrude Lower Unit

four people on an inflatable boat image by Xavier MARCHANT from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Your fishing boat is a tool for fueling your passion. The boat gets you to the prime fishing grounds, away from crowds and hopefully into blue and peaceful lakes or seas. The boat engine is a mechanical device that sometimes requires basic maintenance. Evinrude engines have been on the scene for decades. There are several ways to troubleshoot or diagnose lower-unit issues. Lower-unit issues tend to be those with the starter, solenoid, bendix or wiring into the battery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Screwdriver
Battery voltage meter
Gas dip stick

Step 1

Attach the voltage meter to the red/positive and black/negative connections on the boat's marine battery. Check the battery level. If the battery is not charged, remove it and place in a charger to get the charge back up. Reattach and then try starting the engine again.

Step 2

Turn the ignition key and listen closely to the small, cylindrical starter, found under the cowling of the engine, typically in the lower left hand corner of the mechanism. You may need a friend to help turn the key while you listen. If the starter is making a clicking noise, but nothing is turning over, your battery needs to be charged. If the starter is making no noise, not even a click, you need to check the bendix and wiring.

Step 3

Unscrew the top portion of the starter by turning the attachment screws to the left on one side of the cylinder until they come out. Gently push the top of the cylinder back so you can see a small metal rod with a gear bushing on one end. Have your friend turn the key again and watch if the bendix (metal rod and gear bushing) pushes into the gears to turn the engine over. If it does not, and the battery is charged, you need to replace the starter.

Step 4

Follow the wires off the starter to the engine. Make sure all wires are attached at their destination attachments. Reconnect any loose or detached wires. Turn the key to see if the engine starts.

Step 5

Open the gas tank and check the fuel level. Most problems with engines starting or not starting are from operator error. No fuel or a dead battery tend to be the most common. Use a dipstick to see if there is any fuel in the can. If none, fill the can, pump the primer and try starting the engine again.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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