Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

[70506]

I have a 2004, model F25ESHC. When I press the starter button, the starter engages, but will not spin the flywheel, I release and press again (it may take 2-4 tries), the starter engages again and has just enough power to turn the engine over (still slow turn over, but enough) and will start. Runs great once it is running. If I kill the engine, the same issue again, weak starter. I have a new battery, Sears Platinum Marine (AGM battery, 880 CCA, more than enough, battery is fully charged). I have replaced the starter relay, but still the same problem. New spark plugs, checked/good clean connection to battery as well.

Could it be the starter itself? Any suggestions?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Remove, check and clean all battery/starter connections. There can be corrosion under a nut or a washer that is not visible or obvious by just looking at it. There are nuts/connections on the side of the starter as well as ground connections. I use a 3M Scotchbrite pad to clean/polish these connections. You may also inspect your main battery cables for internal corrosion caused by in-leakage of water, especially salt water. Also spray just a bit of WD-40 or similar on Bendix gear on top of starter so it works up and down freely. Good Luck and let us know what you find!

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Sounds like you got a dragging starter,best to remove it and let a motor repair shop check it out or do a rebuild.

 

[99yam40]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Look at this post it may help you troubleshoot the problem

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158071

With a new battery and solenoid, it maybe the cables or connections, or the started itself.
Test the starter system like the other tread says and do not rule out anything just because it is new.

 

[70506]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

checked all connections, all clean and tight. Bendix gear moves freely, with some tension as expected by spring. I will check voltage as suggested on link provided. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Did you double check the main ground wire and the battery cables? It just seems like a weak electrical connection would be more likely of a problem than a bad starter. Good luck and let us know what you find!

 

[turn2]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

I have found that wd-40 on a starter bendix will soon spin the rubber out of the bendix .

 

[70506]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

sorry for the delay, been traveling. I've disconnected all cables from battery to relay to starter and ground, cleaned reconnected them all good tight connections. Still slow/weak starter. cables from battery are in very good shape, never exposed to salt water, kept in garage when not in use.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Well, batteries can be strange and mysterious things, maybe take the battery out of your car or truck and hook it up, just to see if it does the same thing. Usually the electricals/starters, etc. on these Yamaha motors is so good that it would be the last item to suspect of being bad, but it may yet prove to be your problem. The next thing I'd do is remove the starter from the motor and inspect it thoroughly. Keep us posted with what you find.

 

[99yam40]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Did you take the voltage readings like the thread I showed you said to?
if not go do it. It will tell you if there is a bad connection internally in the cables or other places.

 

[70506]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Gentelmen, after checking the voltage per the thread, all checked out good 13.2 volts. I took the starter out, checked the brushes and "BINGO", brushes themselves were ok, but some minor to moderate corrosion!! I then took the starter to a local shop and had it cleaned, installed new brushes and springs. All good now, happy fishing! Thanks to all of you for the comments, hope this will add to your knowledge for the future.

 

[al morgan]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Hey man... i have the same problem ... what was your fix ???? I have taken my starter out and headed to a "starter / generator" shop tomorrow... I have had three different batteries in my boat... been stranded on the water... can't get to the flywheel without tools to remove the protective covering in order to "rope start it" ... What to do ??????????????????

 

[99yam40]

Re: Weak starter on a 25hp 4 stroke Yamaha

Did you not just read what his problem was what he did to fix it? Re read if you need to .
if you have some questions for the forum the start a new thread with all your info