solenoid problems?

[2dafson2]

I have a 50hp 1985 force. When i first got the motor i had to change the solenoid and then it started up fine. However, one weekend i went out to use the boat and the motor would not start. It was a basic turn the key nothing happened, so i did exactly what i shouldnt have done and started throwing parts at it lets see i replaced the starter, starter solenoid, rectifier, neutral safety switch, ignition switch, and all electrical ends. Of course this did nothing to help the motor. So today got the brilliant idea to use an electrical tester on the thing and found i had power everwhere in the motor except on the outgoing to the starter from the solenoid. Good 12 volts on one end nothing on the other. This is with the key turned on and in the off position. I also found i had 12 volts on yellow wire connected to solenoid while the key was turned, im assuming this is my ignition wire. just wont send power to the starter. any help or questions would be greatly appreciated. thankyou

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: solenoid problems?

Check the solenoid's ground. If it's ground internally, unbolt it and clean the paint off the block. If you have a seperate black wire going to one of the small lugs, check it very carefully.

 

[john from md]

Re: solenoid problems?

Put a screwdriver accross the two big terminals and see if the engine turns. If it does, then the solinoid coil is not finding a ground. You need to find the solinoid ground and clean it and that should fix your problem.

If jumping the solinoid does not rotate the starter, then you may be getting 12 volts but not enough amps. This can be from corrosion on the cables or the starter ground. Trace the cables and visually look to see if they are loose or broken or corroded.

John

 

[nabularach]

Re: solenoid problems?

This may be obvious but if the battery terminals are corroded you will read 12 volts at the solenoid but it will not have enough amps to turn the starter as John from md said

 

[eurolarva]

Re: solenoid problems?

Get your battery tested too. How old is the battery and is it a marine cranking battery? You can run a piece of wire from the screw that holds the start solenoid in place and run that to the minus terminal to your battery. A piece of 12 gauge romex will work for this and try to start it then. If no go it is not your ground. My money is on old battery. IF you have that voltage tester disconnect your battery from the motor and test the voltage. If it is below 12.4 V chances are the battery is fried.