Engine will not start

[ScttAppleby]

I pulled my 1975 evinrude out of winter storage. I put my lower unit back together and rebuilt my carb. When I went to start the engine I turned the key and nothing happened. I was wondering if the starter solenoid is bad. I checked both safety switches, the one that insures the throttle is in a position safe to start and the one that insures that it is in neutral. I have 14volts at the power cable into the solenoid, but when i check continuity I have continuity to ground with the power cable on the starter side of the solenoid. I can also short out the postitve to the starter and engage the starter and start the enginge. I just replaced this solenoid last year with one I purchased on ebay is it possible that it is already went south? Any ideas? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I purchased a Clymer manual yesterday for future reference just wondering if I should go ahead and purchase a solenoid.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine will not start

there is a 20 amp inline fuse near the solenoid, this provides power to the controls and starting circuit.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Engine will not start

Make sure the solenoid is getting power from the keyswitch (small terminal, yellow/red wire I believe). Also make sure power is getting to the keyswitch -quick way to do that is listen for the chokes to close when you push-to-choke.

96.7% of all boat electrical problems are caused by lose connections and/or corrosion. Wire terminal ends and battery/solenoid/starter posts need to be took apart & cleaned ever so often. I mean make 'em shine, use sandpaper if you have to. Don't forget the solenoid ground wire connection to engine. If you use wingnuts on the battery, tighten 'em with pliers (just a general tip, you already ruled this out).

 

[JB]

Re: Engine will not start

Go to the Engine FAQs, "Outboard won't start". There you can find procedures for troubleshooting the starter circuit.

 

[ScttAppleby]

Re: Engine will not start

I just went out and checked, the fuse is still good. And I had 14 volts on one side of the fuse and no continuity to ground on the other side of the fuse holder.

 

[ScttAppleby]

Re: Engine will not start

The key switch has power because the choke button works. I put a meter on the small terminal of the solenoid and checked it with reference to ground, when I turned the key to start it had 14 volts. The same was true when I checked the other small terminal on top of the solenoid when I turned the key. Does this mean the solenoid is bad?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Engine will not start

If you have power to one small terminal of the starter solenoid from the ignition switch at start and the other small terminal is successfully grounded to the block, you should hear the solenoid activate when you turn the key to start.

 

[ScttAppleby]

Re: Engine will not start

I figured it out, the connection to the safety switch on the shifter had a little corrosion. I cleaned it up now the starter engages. Thanks for all of your help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine will not start

those dirty connection are a pita to find.