CDI Electronics Outboard Ignition Troubleshooting Guide

29 Johnson/Evinrude Troubleshooting Johnson/Evinrude Johnson/Evinrude Prestolite Battery Ignitions with Pickup Sensor 1968-1972 100, 115 and 125 HP Battery-Powered Models (Without Points Ignition) DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BATTERIES, DO NOT USE AUTOMOTIVE, MAINTAINENCE FREE OR LOW MAINTAINENCE BATTERIES FOR THIS APPLICATION! OVERCHARGING CAN CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE IGNITION MODULE. The use of a regulated rectifier like the 193-3408 is recommended to help control the battery voltage. (NOTE) All clipper modules, surge suppressors and safety circuits should be removed. After removing, the ignition wire (Red or Purple) must be connected directly to the ignition switch terminal (providing 12V from ignition switch). 1. Clean all battery connections and engine grounds. 2. Check wiring as follows: Except 1967 1967 Pack Wire Color Function Pack Wire Color Function Red or Purple 12V from key switch Red or Purple 12V from key switch Blue Positive to ignition coil Green Positive to ignition coil Black/White (2) To trigger sensor Blue (2) To trigger sensor Black Engine Ground Black Engine Ground Green/Black* Anti-reverse Spring * (1972 models only). NO SPARK ON ANY CYLINDER: 1. Connect a spark gap tester to the high tension lead coming from the ignition coil and set it to approximately ½”. When you crank the engine over, if it sparks while the spark gap tester is connected to the coil and does not spark through the spark plug wires – there is a problem in the distributor cap, rotor button or spark plug wires. 2. Check the DC voltage present on the Purple (or Red) 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. 3. Check the Anti-reverse spring around the crankshaft. Make sure it is not shorting out the sensor pickup. 4. Check DVA voltage on the Blue (or Green) wire going to the coil while connected, it should be approximately 200 volts at cranking. 5. Disconnect the sensor wires. Turn the ignition switch on and strike the sensor wires together. The unit should spark each time. If it does, this usually means the CD module is good. Check the sensor and sensor air gap. 6. Make sure the triggering ring is the correct one for the type ignition being used. Phase II ignitions require the silver rotor for 1967 models and the Phase II Rotor with wide gaps between the lobes for 1968-1971 engines.