1978 Evin. cranking problem

[swampmonster]

I have a 115hp 1978 Evinrude, Model#115893C,, When I turn the key to start,it is VERY slow turning,alomost like a dying battery. I took the plugs out and the motor spins freely. The valves are not stuck. If I had any hair I would pull it out! Can anyone help? Thanks.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

Sounds like your battery is getting weak, or you've got a sketchy ground.

Try cleaning up your connectors on the battery and starter and give it another go.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

Also look for any cuts in your battery cables or any areas that look kinda pregnant. If water gets in, corrosion can block a full load of amps from passing.

I worked on a Merc once with similar symptoms. There was a lot of corrosion at the battery connections, so I cleaned everything to bare shiny metal. No help. Wasted an hour trying this, that, and the other thing with no success. Finally I cut off the ends and put on new eyes and Bingo! The corrosion between the eyes and cable were corroded where it was pretty much invisible and that was causing the problem.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

At least you didn't try installing a new starter right away.

Not that I would know anything about that.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

I mean, it's just a rumour I heard once . . .


really.

 

[Walker]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

Good point iwombat. In fact the first thing I would do is jump straight to the starter from a known good battery with known good jumpers just to be sure the starter is indeed in good shape.

 

[iwombat]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

Yeah, that would have been . . . ahem . . . I mean would be a good idea.

 

[swampmonster]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

I installed a brand new battery, new connections, a new starter,new cables positive and negative. I dont know what else to check.

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

If the starter solenoid is bad it can cause excessive resistance just as corroded cables can. you can test the solenoid with a voltmeter if you have one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

take jumper cables, ground the engine to the negative post, then jump the postive to the big red post on the starter. if this works your starter is good, and it time to start checking soleniod, and connections.

 

[reeldutch]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

whats the mca or cca of your battery?

is the starter grounded clean to the block?
cable from solenoid to starter in good shape and clean?

may be the brushes in the starter are almost worn out or dirty.
it is a78 starter??

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

it could be a worn starter
u need to to an amp draw if still turns over slowly

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

I've got the same problem on a 61 Evinrude. I put direct voltage to the starter with brand new cables and a hot battery and same thing, I have the starter off being rebuilt now. Fred

 

[swampmonster]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

I am working 12 hour shifts right now so I wont be able to check anything till friday. Thank all of you for all of the help. I will let you know what happens, wish me luck.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 Evin. cranking problem

If the timing is advanced, it will have slow starter turnover also. Check to be sure the spark advance rod is connected and it is returning the timer base to the start position.