CDI Electronics Outboard Ignition Troubleshooting Guide

214 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE - Appendix Appendix CDI ELECTRONICS OUTBOARD SERVICE BULLETIN 12/06/2003 CDI Bulletin # 2276 Rev.1 Models affected: Johnson/Evinrude 60 HP 1986 (CE) through 1994 (ER) Johnson/Evinrude 65 HP 1987 (CU) through 1994 (ER) Johnson/Evinrude 70 HP 1989 (CD) through 1994 (ER) Problem: The engine and electrical system can become damaged by overheating when air is trapped in the upper half of the cooling system. Trapped air can cause the upper cylinder or regulator/rectifier to overheat, resulting in damage to the piston or regulator (also damaging the stator). Air can become trapped when: 1. The engine is idling with a blocked or restricted thermostat bypass hole. 2. The engine is operated in aerated water, such as a pontoon or deck boat wakes. SOLUTION: Relocate the water pump indicator outlet tee (for the pee tube) from the side of the engine block to the top of the engine cylinder block. This allows air to be vented from the top of the cooling system and helps ensure an adequate water level when idling. If the engine does not have a threaded hole located in the top of the cylinder block, please follow the steps below: 1. Remove the indicator hose from the outlet tee and discard. 2. Remove the outlet tee. 3. Install a 1/8 th inch NPT brass or aluminum pipe plug into the hole where the tee was located (use gel-seal on the threads). (See fig. 1) 4. Measure 2 inches forward from the rear corner of the exhaust manifold cover (ref “A”) and 1-3/8 th inches from the exhaust cover gasket (Ref to “B”). Mark the intersection with a center punch. (See fig. 2). 5. Mark an 11/32 nd (Letter “R”) drill bit ½ inch from the tip (to prevent damage to the water jacket) as a depth gauge. Grease the tip and drill a hole through the casting. The grease will help prevent shavings from entering the cooling system. 6. Grease the tip of an 1/8 th NPT tap and thread the hole. 7. Apply gel-seal to the threads of the original tee and install it in the hole you just tapped. Position the tee so that the indicator nipple is facing the back of the engine. 8. Install a new piece of 3/16 th hose (19 inches long) from the tee to the indicator.