1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

[islandboatsco]

Hi, I have a 115hp Evinrude outboard that will not start. I had just pulled into the dock and tried to restart the engine, it feels like there is no battery hooked up, it does nothing when you turn the key. It seems like the starter is not getting any power. The battery is good, the key switch when pressed in will engage the auto choke (when the battery is hooked up - when disconnected it will not engage the choke) assuming the switch is good.

The starter solenoid has voltage on the cable coming for the battery, but no power on the cables coming out from the solenoid to the starter, the other two smaller wire are - a ground and one to a circuit board. Not sure which way to go from here. I have not changed anything yet, would the solenoid be the first thing I should change or are there any switches or fuses that I can check. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[crb478]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

If you have a remote starter try to hook it directly to the solenoid, or just touch an insulated screwdriver across the contacts. Check all of your grounds and contacts firts though. Everything should be clean and shiny, if not clean it up and retry. Most problems are from the wiring connections, but a solenoid can go out occasionally

 

[bigpoppakdog]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

Not sure if that model has a fuse on it or not. If it does it's a small inline fuse on the same side as the starter. To me, it sounds like the fuse is blown.

 

[JB]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

Engine FAQs Forum: "Outboard won't start".

Let us know what you find.

 

[islandboatsco]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

Ok, I have checked the small fuse above the solenoid, cleaned all contacts from the battery to the starter. Charged the battery to full - still no power leaving the solenoid. Question - do they have a solenoid for just boat motors or would any solenoid from a car parts store do?

Thanks

 

[islandboatsco]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

Thanks for the info. I found out that the Neutral Safety Switch was bad. It has a slight tilt on the button that caused it not to be pushed back far enough to engage the switch.

 

[krogie]

Re: 1978 - 115 hp Evinrude outboard - HELP!

my 76 model johnson controlbox has had neutral safety problems too.good job on trouble shooting.