Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

[richw01fishing]

I have a 1981 35hp electric start and periodically when starting the starter will engage to the fly wheel but then will turn very slowly. If you continue to hold the ignition key on it will actually heat up starter where smoke can come out.

However, you then can turn the key a short time after and the starter will engage and start with no issues. I have replaced all battery cables (+&-) with 6 gage and also replaced postive wire from selonid to starter with no change. Battery is brand new and fully charge putting out 12.5 volts. When testing while starting receiving 11.6 volts at postive lead at starter and ground sensor on engine block.

Again this is periodic and only happens about 2% of the time. Anyone have any ideas what this could be?

 

[angus63]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

Welcome!!!!!
Worn brushes on the starter or worn bearings. Solenoid contacts worn. Insulation breakdown on windings. The list goes on...... Loose or misaligned starter, worn bendix, overheated engine, bad ignition switch,etc.....
If all contacts are clean and tight, the starter is aligned and tight and lubed and this still occurs, you can remove the starter and have it tested (and possibly rebuilt) at a local shop if necessary.
Good luck

 

[jtexas]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

A fully charged battery measures at least 12.65 volts. 12.5 is closer to 75% charged.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

90% of starter problems are bad connections. remove and clean both ends of the battery cables, so that they are shiney, also the cable from the solenoid to starter. check for nicks in the cables. and make sure the connectors are on the wire good. the cable tend to corrode from the inside out, if nicked, corroded wires, and connections, heat up and cause resistance to the follow of electricity, thus the starter doesn't get enough. you can also take jumper cable pos battery post to large post on starter. with a good connection, the engine should spin. then if the starter is good clean everything and retest. then trouble shoot solenoid. starters can be rebuit at a starter/alternator shop, much cheaper than a new one.

 

[F_R]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

If you are getting 11.6 volts at the starter and it still isn't cranking, there are only two possibilities.
1. The starter is bad--probably brushes
2. You have a bad ground. The red cables are only half of the circuit. The grounds and black cable are the other half.

 

[richw01fishing]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

Thanks everyone for your advice. Looks like it probably is a worn starter. Any links available for instrcutions on remvoing starter or advice on what manuals forum members prefer since there are quite a few I found?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Periodic Starter Problems 81 35hp

That starter should be easy.
You need a real factory service manual.
Here is one that should work.You can email this guy and he probably has the 81 version..
well worth the money for a REAL service manual.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1980...tegoryZ26453QQihZ010QQitemZ200016598481QQrdZ1