Evinrude Gremlin
 

I was running in this past weekend trying to outrun the approaching storm when my 1997 Evinrude 150 went from 5k to 0 rpms in a few seconds. No fault lites and no warning of oncoming problem, ran fine all day. A passing boater was kind enough to tow us the remaining mile or so. Tried to start it on the way in with no luck. Would crank but wouldn't fire. I went out to the boat today to check for spark and it cranked right up. I did replace the kill switch recently. I checked the wiring and all good. What would cause such a rapid cut-off? Any ideas on what and where to look?

Start by looking at your kill switch again. That would do it. I think it's the black and yellow trace wire that kills the spark.

I have a 1999 Evinrude FICHT, and it has been overall operating fine for me, but on occasion it will do something similar and just without warning cutoff. Usually after a minute of sitting it will start again and go the rest of the way without anymore failures. It is very odd for sure.

Correct it is that wire. Would suggest doing a visual on the wire and all connections involved with the kill circuit. Also try running on mufs and wiggle all the wires in the start/run kill circuits. You may get lucky.

Recommend to invest in a good multi meter. Fluke or field-piece would be my preference. If you want to PM me I can help you with picking the model out.

HVAC is my trade and electric trace down is my fav. thing.
Ed

Starting circuit wires as mentioned. My key switch would intermittently cause a loss of power. Had to replace it. Check your power pack ground wire. Black wire from pack to a coil mounting bolt. Clean both fine pin connectors at the top of the pack with alcohol or degreaser. NO dielectric grease or anything else on those on those connections. If the power pack is original, it could very well be failing. It can be troubleshooted with a manual and the right test equipment.

Dirty Ignition Switches
 

Don't know if this happens on boats, but I once had a '68 Corvette that would occasionally die, coast to the side of the road, and then immediately restart. Then one day as I turned the key, it started until I let go of the key, had to keep some torque on the key to keep it running. With a paper towel and WD40 and pushing the key in & out, I washed a lot of debris out of the switch. Probably had the car 10-15 years more with no ignition switch problems thereafter. Probably not your issue, but a quick thing to try.

68 vette... I'm drooling now

Corvettes
 

The '68 Vette was purchased in late '69 shortly after college graduation, just a few days before I met my wife. She liked to remark we dated in that car for 30 years until a Suburban made an illegal left turn at an intersection. The first was a used '61 which I bought when I graduated from high school in '64. The next one was a used '65 fastback with a 365 HP 327 with no power anything on it. Just go fast, sweetest car I ever drove. No more Vettes, need boat towing vehicles now on the non-flat SC roads.

There's an important point here on the first two Vettes, we were not rich. My dad's philosophy was kids with too much time on their hands got into trouble. So he got car loans and I had to make the monthly payments- so worked grocery stores during school year and construction with him on holidays & the summer. Bought my first boat at age 14 with this same method- a much used 14' Lyman with a 35 HP Johnson.

Evinrude Gremlin - Revisited
 

Gents - So my problem has resurfaced - 5000 rpms to 0. This time it stopped after 15 minutes. Checked the kill switch - good. Bypassed the switch all together - no spark on either banks. Turns over fine. Is there a easy check to do on the ignition switch before I get into the engine? I have noticed it will start easier with the throttle advanced as opposed in the neutral position. All suggestions appreciated.

It shouldn't start with the throttle advanced at all. The yellow red tracer wire is to prevent that. Its a safety wire so it doesn't start in gear. It may turn over easier in an advanced throttle position due to the butterflys being open.

The yellow wire red tracer can kill it. you can bypass that switch (neutral safety switch) by tying them together but be careful it will then start in gear.