I’m having some trouble with my 2012 Evinrude 90hp E-TEC outboard motor. It cranks multiple times before it finally fires up, and I’m not sure what might be causing this issue. The battery is fully charged, so I know that’s not the problem. I’m hoping someone here can help me figure out what’s going on. Any advice on what to check or how to troubleshoot this would be greatly appreciated!
Share
I would recommend checking the starter and bendix/drive gears. Sometimes the starter can be weak, or the bendix/drive gears can be worn out, causing the engine to crank slowly or not at all. Inspect these parts to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
Also, it’s worth checking the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS). If the CPS air gap is incorrect or if there’s an issue with the EMM (Engine Management Module) LED indicators, it can cause erratic ignition operation and make it hard to start the engine. Refer to the system analysis and electrical and ignition sections of your manual to check these components.
It’s fixed! I started by checking the battery cables and connections and found some corrosion. I cleaned and tightened everything, but the issue persisted. Next, I replaced the spark plugs, but that didn’t fix it either.
Finally, I took a closer look at the starter and bendix/drive gears. Sure enough, the bendix was worn out and not engaging properly. After replacing the bendix/drive gears, my 2012 Evinrude 90hp outboard motor now starts up smoothly with no issues. Thanks again for all your help!
Check the spark plugs. Incorrect, fouled, or worn spark plugs can make it difficult for the engine to start. If they haven’t been replaced recently, it might be a good idea to install new ones and see if that resolves the issue.
Another thing to consider is the fuel system. Water or air in the fuel system can cause starting problems. Check your water separator and fuel filter, and sample the fuel from the return manifold test port to make sure it’s clean and free of water. If you find any contamination, you might need to replace the fuel supply.
Hey Dean,
One thing you might want to check is the battery cables and connections. Even though your battery is fully charged, if the connections are dirty or loose, it can cause a voltage drop and make it hard to start the engine. Clean and tighten all the connections and check for any corrosion. Also, make sure the voltage drop on the high amperage circuit is within spec.