79 Evinrude Electrical Issues

[79Rude115]

I have a 1979 Evinrude 115 that I just pulled off a boat. I just finished putting it on a stand in my garage and connecting all of the wiring to the black junction box.

Two problems:
1) When I try to trim it I get only a click/pop from the solenoid in the black box…no trim.
2) When I crank it something hangs and starter remains engaged until I disconnect the battery

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 79 Evinrude Electrical Issues

*Don't* disconnect the battery with the engine running, it will fry your rectifier...check the rectifier by measuring the voltage with the engine running at high idle, should be higher than with the engine not running.

"Starter remains engaged" - either the bendix gets stuck in the flywheel, or the starter motor doesn't shut off, or both?

If the starter won't shut off, it's either the solenoid getting stuck or the keyswitch has some kind of fault. Probably the solenoid.

You can use a jumper wire to actuate the solenoid - momentarily connect the large post with battery cable to the small post with yellow/red wire. Leave the key off so the engine won't start. If the starter keeps spinning after you disconnect your jumper wire, replace the solenoid.

 

[79Rude115]

Re: 79 Evinrude Electrical Issues

Starter motor does not shut off or disengage, luckily the motor isn't starting yet. Looking at my starter solenoid, it looks as if someone has replaced it with a non-factory universal variety as the screw holes do not match up exactly and the wiring does nto match the wiring diagram, the wire going to the starter is on bottom instead of on top. Is it acceptable/common to use non-factory universal solenoids on these motors?

The way my trim is acting I think I might have a bad solenoid in the junction box also, again is it ok to go to the auto parts store and match it up to something universal?

The motor does not run yet, it has been sitting up for a long time and I am just starting to work on getting it going again, I need it to trim so I can get it in the right position to work on it.

 

[79Rude115]

Re: 79 Evinrude Electrical Issues

The trim started working again, apparently I did not have a good connection at the battery on both negative wires.

Still not sure what to do with the universal starter solenoid.

 

[jtexas]

Re: 79 Evinrude Electrical Issues

marine equipment is made to higher standard than automotive, to withstand the rough ride and corrosive environment. As you discovered first-hand, an automotive starter solenoid will work but won't hold up. myself, I'd just go ahead and order the replacement, either OEM if available, or aftermarket if there's a big price difference.