1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

[ajderr]

I have a 1973 Evinrude 40hp Outboard that I am having trouble getting to start. It is a M#40304D, S#J02111 and has an API M#MGD-4102C-12V starter. When I turn the ignition switch, the starter cranks, but stops when the engine hits top-dead-center. The motor is not locked and easily pushes on through tdc by hand via the flywheel. I have replaced the battery, which I thought was bad, with a new 1040CCA one. The solenoid is new, although it is automotive, not marine. I took the boat & motor to a local mechanic to get it checked out/fixed, and for some reason it started fine repeatedly for him (I even witnessed this). Since i have had it home, I have not been able to get the starter to turn it over a single time. The previous owner had the starter rebuilt at a local starter/alternator shop prior to my owning it, and he was kind enough to have it retested against a load at the same shop when I told him of my problem and we were told that it was good. Any guidance would be appreciated, as I hate to not know what is going on and I don't subscribe to parts changing as a troubleshooting means unless I absolutely have to.

Thank you.

 

[Al-53]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

First off..make sure every wire is clean at the contact areas...from the battery to the solenoid to the starter...positives and ground wires...after you try to start it..feel the wires see if any are hot...shows a resistance area if it is..

also try using jumper cables the negative on a engine ground and hit the stud on the output side of the solenoid ot the sud it self on the starter where the positive cable connects....if it starts..you have a bad cable..or dirty connections


Al

 

[JB]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

I agree with Al. Battery cables and connections are the most likely culprit.

 

[ajderr]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

OK, Found my electrical problem...turned out that the starter armature was bent. Could not find a replacement starter, even on iboats, so I did my best to straighten it and it is working now. After fixing this, I got everything on my throttle and shift cables adjusted to where I thought I was good to go. Tested everything in a barrel, motor will start instantly and runs good. Put it in the water, still everything appeared fine, until I throttled up. At full throttle, motor does not seem to come up to full RPMs and barely seems able to push me through the water. Any thoughts or additional information needed?

Aaron

 

[Al-53]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

Ok first off..when was the last time the carb was cleaned...taken apart soaked and wired in the orfices..blown clean and new kit installed....

then have you down a compression test to see what you have for compression...

then do a spark test if compression is good...use a spark checker...see if you have nice blue spark...

then do a link and sync if all of the above is good....

if no results then time to trouble shoot....there is a post here with the things to look for....more will come in and give more advice also....

have some on pump the bulb when at full throttle if rpm picks up its a fuel problem...if the bulb does nothing try spraying a fuel mix in the carb while at WOT..if it goes again to full rpm fuel problem again

Al

 

[ajderr]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

Ok...carburetor is good...was rebuilt last year by previous owner. I took it apart anyway and thoroughly cleaned and checked every orifice. Checked spark on both cylinders. Top cylinder had no spark...swapped plugs and again top cylinder had no spark. Bottom cylinder has good strong spark with both plugs. Is it possible for a two-cylinder engine to run "smooth" on just one cylinder when at idle and low speeds and then fall on it's face when at full throttle? I would have expected it to cut-out a lot if one cylinder is not firing, but it does not seem to do this.

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

Under a no load condition those motors run pretty good. The problem shows up when you put it under load.
Correct the spark problem and see if it works properly under load.

 

[ajderr]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

"Correct the spark problem and see if it works properly under load"...OK, so I assume that I will need to pull the flywheel and check the points, etc.? I assume that if one cylinder is firing and one is not, then an ignition tune-up kit is in order and should take care of it?

 

[Daviet]

Re: 1973 Evinrude 40 Starter Problem

Yes, pull the flywheel and inspect the ign system. Look for burnt points, cracks in the coils and inspect the plug wires for damage.